Quick Leonard Kieffer Lands CEO for National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
March 19, 2019 – Executive recruitment firm Quick Leonard Kieffer has recruited Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop as CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, chartered as one of the founding affiliates of the National Kidney Foundation in 1964. The assignment was conducted by Steven M. Derks, president and chief executive officer, along with principal Jennifer Deniz.
“Because of the dedication and strength of our staff and our interim leadership, Lena Clement and Megan Craig, our search committee was afforded the opportunity to thoughtfully and thoroughly consider which candidate could best lead the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois as its next CEO,” said Tipu S. Puri, president of the National Kidney Foundation board of directors. “I am thrilled that Jackie is joining and leading us in the challenge to improve awareness and bring our services to the hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans who are touched by kidney disease.”
“She brings with her a wealth of experience, commitment to at-risk communities, and a ‘roll-up-your-sleeves’ attitude that will be incredibly valuable to our organization, and I look forward to working closely with her,” Mr. Puri said.
Ms. Burgess-Bishop comes to the organization from Cook County Health & Hospitals System, where she served as the regional director of ambulatory services. There, she planned, organized, directed and coordinated the operations of four ambulatory sites, with a focus on integrating healthcare across the continuum and increasing efficiencies within the ambulatory network. Previously, Ms. Burgess-Bishop served as a regional vice president with the American Cancer Society in Chicago. Before that, she was the vice president of program services for Habilitative Systems, a community-based behavioral health and social service agency in Chicago. She also served as the director of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center’s occupational health network and as a senior partner in the healthcare practice of Brewer-Smith & Bishop.
In her new role, Ms. Burgess-Bishop will provide direction and leadership for the achievement of the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy, and annual goals and objectives. She will also be expected to implement the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. And she will be responsible for corporate management, personnel management, program planning, financial management and community relations.
“The opportunity to lead, to serve, to motivate, collaborate and innovate with volunteer leaders, stakeholders and staff to enhance awareness and have impact to change the trajectory of kidney disease is an honor,” said Ms. Burgess-Bishop. “I look forward to the challenge, and together we will build on the valued legacy of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois in the areas of education, services, advocacy, research and funding of the mission to transform future outcomes for kidney health.”
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With a mission to improve the health and well-being of people at risk of or affected by kidney disease through prevention, education, and empowerment, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois is a non-profit organization that serves individuals living with kidney disease and their families, as well as healthcare professionals, and is engaged in advocacy to advance initiatives that directly affect the care and treatment of kidney disease.
Seasoned Recruiters
Quick Leonard Kieffer, based in Chicago, specializes in placing executive-level employees across the healthcare industry. The firm was established in 1999 by Roger Quick and Michael C. Kieffer. Although the healthcare sector is among the most rapidly growing employment fields, the industry is in the midst of a turbulent transformation. This makes the need for proven and experienced boards and executive teams with vision and broadening skills more important than ever.
Mr. Derks brings over 25 years of experience, knowledge and networks to his consulting work at Quick Leonard Kieffer. As a CEO assembling executive teams, as a board member helping to select and oversee CEOs and executives, and in his work with clients, he has developed a strong understanding of working with hiring executives and boards of directors. He has won a reputation for discerning the strategic leadership needs of organizations, identifying qualified talent and recognizing the best fit for clients. Previously, he served as president and CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ms. Deniz works with the firm’s managing partners to execute senior-level healthcare searches. She conducts search assignments, recruiting C-Suite and senior-level executives in operations, finance, medical affairs, nursing, human resources and other disciplines within healthcare. Her clients range from academic medical centers and institutions to community hospitals, medical groups and large health systems.
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor; Stephen Sawicki, Managing Editor; and Andrew W. Mitchell, Managing Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media