With a multifaceted career bridging biomedical research, operational excellence, and higher education, Jessica Kenney, MBA, stands out as a dynamic executive voice driving innovation and transformation in complex institutional environments. Currently serving as an Organization Development Specialist for Research and Education at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Jessica brings a distinctive combination of scientific acumen, strategic insight, and a people-centered approach to developing impactful organizational solutions.
Jessica’s career reflects a steady ascension through the research and health care ecosystem. Her tenure at Columbia University builds on over eight years of experience at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she began as a Research Technician and advanced to the role of Research Assistant. Across nearly seven years, she played a key role in supporting advanced biomedical research, contributing to critical discoveries and fostering collaboration across interdisciplinary teams. Prior to that, Jessica served as Lab Manager at the Population Council for nearly six years, leading lab operations in support of reproductive health and biomedical research initiatives with global impact.
Jessica’s academic foundation is just as impressive as her professional achievements. She is currently completing her Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Health Care Administration and Management at the prestigious Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Her pursuit of advanced business leadership training speaks to her commitment to marrying scientific knowledge with strategic management expertise.
Certified in Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, Jessica is skilled in driving process improvement, promoting operational efficiency, and nurturing cross-functional team growth. Her top competencies—Supply Chain Management, Business Management, and Business Development—highlight her ability to thrive in both scientific and administrative domains. Whether optimizing research operations, streamlining organizational workflows, or leading educational development programs, Jessica demonstrates a rare agility and effectiveness in adapting to evolving institutional needs.
Throughout her career, Jessica has also been recognized for her ability to serve as a connector—between research and practice, science and strategy, people and progress. Her work consistently empowers organizations to achieve more aligned, mission-driven outcomes through data-informed decision-making and collaborative culture-building.
Jessica Kenney’s professional journey continues to evolve with purpose and vision. With a robust portfolio spanning research institutions, global health organizations, and academic medical centers, she exemplifies the type of executive leader who not only adapts to change but architects it. While there is no public record of formal board positions held to date, her background positions her as a strong candidate for advisory and governance roles across health care, research, and educational sectors.
In every role she holds, Jessica brings not only technical expertise but a spirit of service, systems thinking, and a drive to make meaningful change. Her path is one of continual growth, purposeful leadership, and commitment to innovation—an executive to watch and a force for good in any organization she joins.
Character
Jessica Kenney demonstrates integrity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit throughout her career, consistently building trust within research teams and academic institutions while navigating complex organizational dynamics with professionalism and empathy.
Knowledge
Her expertise spans scientific research, healthcare administration, and organizational development, underpinned by a solid academic foundation in business management and a Lean Six Sigma certification that supports her operational effectiveness.
Strategic
Jessica applies systems thinking and a data-informed approach to drive institutional improvements, streamline operations, and align research and education goals with broader organizational missions.
Communication
She excels in bridging communication between scientific, administrative, and educational stakeholders, fostering transparency, shared understanding, and a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
