Jennifer McCafferty-Fernandez, PhD

Jennifer is the Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Chief of Staff at Nicklaus Children’s Health System. In her role, she serves as a senior strategic advisor to the CEO and oversees marketing and communications, government and community affairs, as well as patient and consumer experience activities for the system. In close collaboration with the General Counsel, she also co-leads corporate governance and board support services. Her achievements include developing and implementing strategies that increased organization revenue and market share, elevated the Nicklaus Children’s brand in the region and beyond, doubled down on community commitment and engagement, and emphasized the importance of authentic patient focus and experience throughout the organization. Before joining Nicklaus Children’s in 2014, Jennifer was assistant provost and chief medical compliance & HIPAA privacy officer, among other roles, at the University of Miami and the Miller School of Medicine. Jennifer holds a PhD in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology from the University of Miami.