Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies is proud to announce that its president Kelly Nierstedt was recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of 2022’s Top Women Leaders.   

An annual recognition, this program honors the top women healthcare executives who are influencing the policy and care delivery models across the country. In doing so, they are also highlighting the continued need to nurture diversity in our organizations. Kelly is just one of 40 women recognized nationwide for this prestigious honor and is spotlighted in the “Women to Watch” category. 

“It’s my honor and privilege to serve an organization that allows me to do the work I love,” said Kelly Nierstedt, senior vice president of Orlando Health and president of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer.  “I’m proud to represent Orlando Health and humbled to receive this recognition.” 

Kelly joined Orlando Health in 2018 to lead the strategic and operational direction, and the development of women’s and neonatal services of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer. She began her career as a staff and charge nurse in the labor and delivery unit at Hackensack University Medical Center. She earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Felician College in New Jersey, and a master’s degree in nursing from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. 

“We are thrilled to hear that Kelly has been honored by Modern Healthcare for her exceptional leadership,” said Jamal Hakim, MD, chief operating officer for Orlando Health. “Among the many hats she wears, Kelly has done a phenomenal job navigating the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring that we keep our mothers and babies safe and healthy during this challenging time.” 

The profiles of all the winners are featured in the February 21, 2022 print issue of Modern Healthcare and online here. 

Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies is a 350-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of women and babies. The hospital includes comprehensive fetal diagnostics and labor and delivery services, a regional center for neonatal intensive care, maternal intensive care and women’s services. Annually, more than 14,000 babies are expected to be born at Winnie Palmer Hospital, making it the busiest labor and delivery unit in the state of Florida. The hospital is also home to the state’s only in-utero surgery program to repair Spina bifida defects. To learn more, visit www.winniepalmerhospital.com.