Kirby Bates Expands in 2019 with New Innovative Leaders

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Kirby Bates Associates, LLC (KBA) is pleased to announce two key strategic hires to support increasing client demand and to enhance the organization's service offerings.

"Today's healthcare executives face unique leadership challenges and selecting the very best leaders is more critical than ever.  As never before, Kirby Bates' clients depend on our experience as Chief Nurse Executives and our comprehensive portfolio of services to build strong leadership teams," said Karen K. Kirby, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, President and CEO of Kirby Bates Associates, LLC. "These executive additions to our team are essential as we continue to expand client partnerships, deepen strategic and system relationships, and extend our reach into new geographies."

Melissa A. Fitzpatrick, MSN, RN, FAAN joins Kirby Bates as Chief Operating Officer, bringing more than 35 years of experience in innovative nursing and industry leadership roles. Previously, Melissa led the clinical team at Hill-Rom as their first Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer.  Prior to that, Melissa served as Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Associate Chief Operating Officer for the Duke University Health System, was president of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses and Editor-in-Chief of the Nursing Management Journal. Melissa's publications and keynote addresses have touched thousands of nursing and healthcare leaders and her global industry experience will be a key driver of growth for KBA. "Nothing is more important to patient care delivery than assuring that the strongest leaders are in place to drive patient outcomes and organizational excellence.  It is an honor to join the KBA team as we place the current and future leaders of our industry," said Fitzpatrick.

With 30 years of healthcare leadership experience, Colleen A. Chapp, MHA, MSN, RN, CENP, FACHE will serve as Vice President of Interim Leadership Services working with Doris Sinkevich, MS, RN, CENP, Executive Vice President for Interim Leadership Services. Colleen served for 10 years with B.E. Smith in leadership roles within its Interim Leadership and Advisory Services.  Colleen's interim and permanent leadership experiences include Chief Nurse Executive and Vice President of Patient Care Services roles in Ohio, Nebraska, and Oregon.  Colleen is certified in Organizational Transition Management and is pursuing her doctorate in strategic leadership.    

Karen Kirby continued, "We are so fortunate to have these outstanding leaders join us at Kirby Bates.  Their leadership skills, professional networks and passion for excellence are a perfect match for our existing highly dedicated and talented KBA team. I couldn't be happier for the entire KBA team and know that we are positioned for a very exciting 2019 and beyond."

ABOUT KIRBY BATES ASSOCIATES: Kirby Bates Associates, LLC, part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies, is led by President and CEO Karen Kirby, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN.  Kirby Bates brings proven expertise to Executive Search, Interim Management, Leadership Coaching, Nursing Operations, and Financial Consultations. For over 30 years, Kirby Bates has helped clients solve their greatest nursing leadership challenges.    To learn more about Kirby Bates, please visit kirbybates.com.

SOURCE Kirby Bates Associates, LLC