Jennifer Kelley, MSN, RN, APRN, AMB-BC, has been named vice chair of Strategy and Clinical Operations for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and senior administrator for OB/GYN Clinical Affairs.
Since joining UAB in 2005, Jennifer has served in leadership roles in both the inpatient and outpatient settings, where she has provided mentorship and operational guidance in clinical operations. She also has extensive experience in personnel management, strategy, and public relations and has succeeded in building effective partnerships with stakeholders that led to the development of initiatives that helped advance women's health care at UAB.
Most recently, she served as senior director of OB/GYN Ambulatory Services for almost 10 years, where she was responsible for all ambulatory clinical services for the Department of OB/GYN, which has grown to over 125,000 patient visits per year across 12 clinical sites. She also serves on the Executive Quality Committee for the Department of OB/GYN’s Section of Quality and Patient Safety.
“Jennifer has transformed all aspects of ambulatory services in the department while instilling an atmosphere of excellence, dedication, and compassion,” says Warner K. Huh, M.D., FACOG, FACS, professor and chair of the Department of OB/GYN. “I know Jennifer will further contribute to the growth and transformation of this nationally renowned department and its impact on women’s health throughout the entire state.”
Jennifer first joined UAB in 2005 as nurse manager of the Mother Baby, Lactation, and Newborn Nursery, where she is credited for transforming the care delivery model, known as Couplet Care, that is still in place today. In 2010, Jennifer transitioned to UAB Health Services Foundation to oversee the ambulatory clinics of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Women's Reproductive Health, and Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery. In addition to overseeing the opening of several satellite clinics, Jennifer was responsible for the design and move of these specific ambulatory clinics from The Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital to the newly established Women and Infants Center. Jennifer served in this role until 2014 when she was promoted to senior director of OB/GYN Ambulatory Services.
"Women’s health is critical to the well-being of our society, and I am excited to serve in this collaborative role to deliver comprehensive care offerings to the women we serve," says Jennifer Kelley. "Improving women’s health outcomes begins with increased awareness and continues with action across health systems, care providers, and the community. Everyone has a role to play: providers, health plans, clinical leaders, front-line staff, policymakers, and community members, and I am proud to play a small part of the future of women's health care at UAB, in the community, and the state."