Jessica Whitten, MHA, Director, Neuroscience Service Line, Fairview Health Services

What is your current role?

I’ve worked in health care for 20 years, beginning my career in health care IT before transitioning into health care operations and ultimately leadership. I joined Fairview Health Services in 2019 as Director of Neurology, and over time, my scope has expanded to include Neurosurgery and Surgical Spine. In this role, I lead strategic and operational initiatives across the Neuroscience Service Line, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams to improve care pathways, streamline operations, and enhance patient outcomes. I’m passionate about leveraging health technology to improve the experience of both patients and providers. 

Why did you join the TRUST?

I first joined the TRUST after being invited to a Forum event by a former manager and mentor. The energy in the room at the Forum was incredible!  I was impressed by the depth of experience, thoughtful advice, and genuine support for women. I became a member for a year, but stepped away to focus on personal priorities and growing my family. In 2025, I rejoined with renewed enthusiasm and a desire to reconnect with women who share my passion for health care. 

What has been your favorite part of being a member of the TRUST?

I’ve really enjoyed connecting with such a thoughtful and dynamic group of women. I’ve especially loved the panel events and hearing perspectives from women in different areas of health care and at different stages in their careers. Conversations are always insightful, supportive, and energizing. 

What’s been the best career advice you’ve received?

A few years ago, I attended the Carlson School of Management’s Women’s Leadership Conference, and one panel really stuck with me. The group shared one of their keys to success was knowing what to outsource and delegate at work and at home. It was a good reminder that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegation isn’t just about efficiency, but also about creating space for focused thinking, stronger relationships, and the kind of work that truly makes a difference. 

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that influenced your leadership or professional path?

A pivotal moment in my career came early on, not long after I graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. I took a job with Epic Systems and found myself traveling across the country helping hospitals and clinics implement their EMRs. At 23 and 24, I was regularly sitting across the table from health care executives and medical directors, talking through how to configure their systems to best support their workflows. 

On one trip I remember a meeting where the conversation shifted from technical configuration to broader strategic planning. As I listened, I thought, “This is so interesting – and also, I have an opinion on this!” That moment stuck with me. I realized I didn’t just want to support the work from the sidelines—I wanted to be in the room where those decisions were being made. That experience ultimately led me to pursue my MHA and shift my career into health care leadership, where I could help shape the strategy and systems that drive better care. 

What emerging trend in health care are you most excited about and why?

I’m excited to see how AI is starting to show up in both clinical care and daily operations. On the diagnostic side, it’s incredible to see how AI can help analyze imaging, spot patterns in data, and support faster, more accurate decision-making, especially in areas like stroke and neurology where time is critical. 

It’s also exciting to see how AI can help ease the burden on health care workers by automating documentation or streamlining prior authorizations. I’ve often heard physicians talk about how many “clicks” it takes to do something in the medical record. Now these AI tools are helping to free up both time and mental energy, creating more space for meaningful patient care and hopefully reducing burnout.  

What strategies do you use to build effective teams and promote collaboration?

I try to focus on clarity and trust. I’ve learned that people do their best work when they understand the “why” behind what we’re doing and how their role fits into the bigger picture. That kind of clarity helps everyone pull in the same direction. 

I also try to create an environment where people feel safe speaking up to share an idea, ask a question, or challenge the status quo. Some of the best solutions come from unexpected places, and I always want my team to know their voice matters. 

What is something that not many people know about you?

I’ve visited 46 of the 50 U.S. states. It’s been a mix of travel for work, with family, and spontaneous adventures, but it’s definitely given me an appreciation for the diversity of people, landscapes, and health care systems across the country. I’m hoping to check off the final four soon – I’m coming for you, Alaska, Mississippi, Vermont, and West Virginia!