Kernesha Weatherly, DHA
Dr. Kernesha Weatherly, DHA, is a dynamic and results-driven executive who has demonstrated unparalleled expertise and leadership in both clinical and administrative domains within large and complex healthcare systems. Her role as the vice president of imaging at Ochsner Health System is a testament to her strategic acumen and operational excellence. She has directed the strategic planning and implementation of imaging services across a multi-state healthcare system all the while achieving remarkable results that include more than $4 million in cost avoidance through strategic internal equipment transfer and $7 million in annual cost savings through effective consolidation and expansion initiatives. Earlier this year, she was awarded the Ochsner Health Executive Leadership Award of Clinical Leader of the Year.
Her career trajectory, including her tenure as senior director of radiology at The University of Alabama at Birmingham, underscores her profound impact on healthcare delivery. Kernesha's strategic vision led to a 30 percent expansion of the ambulatory footprint and a 43 percent increase in patient access, significantly improving service quality and patient satisfaction. Her crisis management program, which maintained continuous operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her efforts to enhance staff mental health services, reducing turnover by 14 percent, reflect her commitment to both operational efficiency and compassionate care.
Kernesha’s core competencies in strategic leadership, financial planning, operational optimization, and quality improvement have consistently driven superior outcomes. Her data-driven decision-making and innovative problem-solving abilities have not only optimized operational performance but also contributed to substantial cost savings and improved patient outcomes. Her adeptness at leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex group practices has been instrumental in achieving high-quality service delivery and maintaining regulatory compliance across various bodies, including CMS, The Joint Commission, and the American College of Radiology.
Kernesha’s leadership is characterized by a profound dedication to excellence in quality care and operational efficiency. Her ability to foster cross-functional collaboration, mentor teams, and drive process improvements has had a transformative impact on the organizations she has served. Her contributions are a model of what exceptional healthcare leadership can achieve.