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�������Ƶ is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristen Gradney as an inaugural Board Member of the Franciscan Center for Professional Development (FCPD). Gradney brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the mission and values of the Franciscan Center. Her leadership will be instrumental in establishing and advancing the Center’s goals and expanding its impact in professional and continuing education.

Kristen obtained a B.A. in Sociology and B.S. in Nutritional Science from Louisiana State University, completed a dietetic internship at the Medical University of South Carolina, and later earned a Master of Health Administration from �������Ƶ.

After several years of direct care experience as a registered dietitian, she went on to take on acute care and ambulatory senior leadership roles within the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System in Baton Rouge, LA.

For the past 10 years, she has successfully led and developed leadership teams, improved team member and patient engagement, and clinical outcomes by employing innovative community-based solutions, communication, and inclusion strategies. In addition to being a care transformation consultant for several Louisiana-based healthcare systems, she has developed and administered worksite well-being programs for industrial process plants. Most recently, she serves as the Chief Wellness Officer for LCMC Health in New Orleans, LA.

Kristen has a passion for service and ongoing education in transformation of healthcare systems leading to improved equity and outcomes for all. She was selected as a participant in the Louisiana Public Health Institute Racial and Health Equity Learning Lab and elected as an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Nominating Committee member. In the past she has been selected as a Diversity Leader and past National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, �������Ƶ Alumni Healthcare Hero, and InRegister magazine Woman with a Cause. She has also served as former President of the Capital Area American Heart Association, 2024 Capital Area Go Red for Women Chair, and Lay Reviewer. Kristen is currently on the Franciscan University Family Nurse Practitioner Community Advisory Board. She is a wellness expert as a member of the Prevention Medical Review Board and has been featured in many publications including Huffington Post, Oprah.com, SELF, The Chicago Tribune, Consumer Digest, New York Times, and has spoken across the nation at conferences, corporate events, and training in areas of nutrition, healthcare leadership and wellness.

“Kristen’s impressive background in healthcare leadership and her passion for advancing equity and outcomes in the field make her an invaluable addition to our board,” said Dr. Laurinda Calongne, Executive Director of the Franciscan Center for Professional Development. “Her expertise and commitment will help guide the Center in offering meaningful education and development opportunities.”