Kennedy Krieger Institute Executive and Leadership Team

Courtney Kennedy, the Chief Executive Officer at Kennedy Krieger Institute, directs the overarching organizational strategy to improve outcomes for patients with neurological and developmental conditions. Kennedy oversees the integration of inpatient programs and outpatient clinics, ensuring that the interdisciplinary team model remains effective across all service lines. By aligning institutional resources with research goals, the Chief Executive Officer drives the expansion of specialized care for autism and brain injury. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain the financial health and mission-driven focus of the organization. Courtney Kennedy manages the broad operational scale of the institute, fostering partnerships that enhance translational laboratory research. Through rigorous oversight of clinical delivery systems, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every patient receives individualized treatment. Ultimately, Kennedy secures the long-term sustainability of the institute while advancing the standard of care for children and adults with complex rehabilitative needs.

Bradley Schlaggar, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Kennedy Krieger Institute, architects the vision for clinical excellence and scientific innovation. Schlaggar manages the complex intersection of patient care and translational research, particularly within the Hunter Nelson Sturge-Weber Syndrome Center. By guiding the institute through evolving healthcare landscapes, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that clinical programs remain at the forefront of neurological medicine. This role requires deep engagement with academic partners to translate laboratory findings into direct patient benefits. Bradley Schlaggar oversees the strategic deployment of resources to support individuals with cerebral palsy and other rare diseases. Through the coordination of interdisciplinary teams, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains high standards of rehabilitative care. By fostering a culture of discovery and compassion, Schlaggar drives the institute toward global recognition in the field of developmental medicine, ensuring that every clinical initiative directly supports the mission of improving patient lives.

Elisa Delia, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Kennedy Krieger Institute, executes the operational priorities defined by the executive leadership team. Delia manages the daily administrative functions that support the institute's diverse range of inpatient and day hospital programs. By streamlining communication between departments, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff ensures that clinical and research teams remain aligned with organizational objectives. This role involves managing high-level projects that impact the efficiency of outpatient clinics and community services. Elisa Delia coordinates the implementation of strategic policies, facilitating smooth operations across the entire institute. By optimizing internal workflows, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff supports the delivery of individualized treatment for patients with neurological needs. Delia maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the institute's resources are utilized effectively to meet the complex demands of the patient population served by the organization.

Elisa Mintz, the Vice President and Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives at Kennedy Krieger Institute, drives the development and execution of long-term growth projects. Mintz oversees the planning of new clinical programs and the expansion of community-based services for individuals with developmental needs. By identifying emerging opportunities in neurological research and care, the Vice President and Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives ensures that the institute remains competitive and responsive to patient requirements. This role involves leading cross-functional teams to implement innovative treatment models across the organization. Elisa Mintz manages the alignment of strategic initiatives with the broader mission of the institute, ensuring that every project contributes to improved patient outcomes. Through rigorous project management and stakeholder engagement, the Vice President and Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives facilitates the successful launch of new clinical ventures. Mintz maintains a focus on scalability, ensuring that the institute's impact continues to grow across regional markets.

Michael Johnston, the Chief Medical Officer at Kennedy Krieger Institute, directs the clinical standards and medical practices across all inpatient and outpatient facilities. Johnston oversees the performance of the interdisciplinary medical teams, ensuring that treatment protocols for autism, brain injury, and cerebral palsy meet the highest benchmarks of care. By managing the recruitment and development of medical staff, the Chief Medical Officer fosters a culture of clinical excellence and continuous learning. This role involves close collaboration with the research department to integrate evidence-based practices into daily patient care. Michael Johnston monitors clinical outcomes to ensure that the institute provides effective, individualized treatment for every patient. Through the oversight of medical policies, the Chief Medical Officer maintains compliance and safety standards across the organization. Johnston drives the medical strategy, ensuring that the institute remains a leader in rehabilitative medicine while addressing the complex needs of children and adults with neurological disorders.

Michelle Melicosta, the Associate Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Quality & Patient Safety & Affairs Professional at Kennedy Krieger Institute, architects the framework for clinical quality and patient safety. Melicosta manages the systems that monitor and improve the standard of care across all hospital programs and outpatient clinics. By implementing rigorous safety protocols, the Associate Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Quality & Patient Safety & Affairs Professional ensures that the institute maintains a secure environment for patients with complex neurological needs. This role involves analyzing clinical data to identify areas for improvement and leading initiatives that enhance the overall patient experience. Michelle Melicosta coordinates with medical leadership to address professional affairs and ensure that clinical staff adhere to best practices. Through the oversight of quality assurance programs, the Associate Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Quality & Patient Safety & Affairs Professional drives the institute's commitment to excellence, ensuring that every clinical intervention is safe, effective, and aligned with the organization's mission.