Kelly Rosenfeld, MHA, FACHE, is an experienced healthcare administrator with more than 15 years of leadership in hospital and academic medical center operations. Her work focuses on musculoskeletal service line strategy, operational performance, business planning, and organizational leadership within complex healthcare environments. She brings a strong foundation in healthcare administration, holding degrees from Virginia Tech and The George Washington University, and is board certified through the American College of Healthcare Executives. In addition to her professional leadership, Kelly remains actively engaged in community service through organizations including Girl Scouts Peaks to Piedmont and the Junior League.
Leadership and Impact
If you had a magic wand and could permanently solve one of your department’s biggest challenges right now, what would that be?
I remain concerned about the wrap around infrastructure at a large academic setting – from anesthesia issues to nursing shortages – these things impact the ability for our surgeons to be productivity and happy in their careers.
Looking back over the past three years, what are the two most impactful things you have accomplished in your role?
We have drastically increased the orthopaedic team at Atrium Health Wake Forest. From around 30 faculty when I started 15 years ago to close to 100 faculty. This growth has been a direct result of leaning into things that bridge us together in operations, educating the next generation and advancing research. At the same time, we were able to strategically grow orthopaedic services at all our regional facilities and meet and exceed volume targets while continuing to be a high performer in engagement and quality.
If you could perfectly execute the accomplishment of three goals for your department over the next three years, what would those goals be?
Of course, meet operative volume budget targets without any retention or quality issues but I’d also like to see our team increase industry supported grant funding and establish a powerful fundraising pathway through grateful patients and community partners.
The AOC and the Power of the Collective
What is the most valuable way that the AOC helped you and your Department?
AOC has offered me an opportunity to network and develop meaningful relationships with those in similar roles. I will forever cherish the “poker chip” I received from Paul Marini at UNC, despite the fact that he represents the tarheels.
The Human Side of the Role
Share one personal accomplishment from 2025 that you are especially proud of.
My husband had open heart surgery in late 2024 due to a congenital condition, and we picked up CrossFit during his recovery. I may not look like it – but I can squat 155 X 5.
When was the last time someone told you they were proud of you for the work you do, either at work or at home, and what was that about?
Dr. Cynthia Emory regularly shares her written and verbal appreciation to me and meaningful growth and development feedback. I have her letters taped on my wall to remind me to keep going even when changes come fast and furious. It is rare to have a true partnership, and I feel that we’ve developed that over the course of her tenure as our Chair and Service Line Leader.
What is your “superpower”, a skill or strength you have that you genuinely love to use in your job and feel you are especially good at?
I’m a mom of two young girls and find that balancing all the demands professionally and personally have created in me a very strong skill of delegation.
Reflection and Perspective
How do you think AI will meaningfully change your role, or the way your department operates, five years from now?
AI is the future of our roles. Advocate and Wake are leaning into AI and purchased CoPilot for everyone. I’ve used it consistently for multiple weeks, including writing this reflection.
Just for Fun
What is your go to favorite meal?
I enjoy banana pudding and matzo ball soup, preferably not the same time.
If you were snowed in for a weekend and could binge watch one TV show, what would you choose?
Landman is fresh on my mind and a nice escape from cartoons and Disney Princesses.