Jennifer Mensik Kennedy, president of the American Nurses Association (ANA), has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare in 2023. This ranking celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made a significant impact on healthcare.
According to an ANA press release, the 2023 ranking, published in the December 4 issue of Modern Healthcare, acknowledges professionals whose contributions extend beyond their regular job responsibilities and make a significant difference in the healthcare industry. "Our ranked list honors the C-suite decision-makers using their clout and influence to lead their organizations and make sweeping changes that affect patient care," said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare.
Mensik Kennedy's biography on the Oregon Health & Science University’s website reveals her extensive qualifications and experience. She holds a doctoral degree in nursing, an MBA in healthcare administration, and BSN and ADN degrees. Serving her second term as ANA president, Mensik Kennedy has held various leadership roles within the association over the past decade. These include being a member of the board of directors from 2010 to 2012 and chairing the association’s Finance, Investment, and Audit Committee from 2018 to 2021.
Mensik Kennedy's biography also highlights her numerous awards and recognitions. These include the 2016 Leadership Award from Arizona Organization of Nurse Executives and more recently, being named Alumnus of the Year at Washington State University’s College of Nursing in 2022. Beyond these accolades, Mensik Kennedy has contributed significantly to academic literature with several papers published in professional journals such as Journal of Pediatric Health Care and Journal for Nurses in Professional Development. In addition, her book "The Nurse Manager’s Guide to Innovative Staffing" received third place in the leadership and management category at the American Journal of Nursing’s Book of the Year Awards in 2017.
