Kennedy Krieger Institute Executive and Leadership Team

Courtney Kennedy, the Chief Executive Officer at Kennedy Krieger Institute, directs the overarching organizational strategy and long-term mission fulfillment. Kennedy oversees the alignment of clinical programs with the institute's commitment to neurological and rehabilitative excellence. By fostering partnerships with academic and research entities, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the integration of translational science into daily patient care. This leadership role involves managing institutional resources to support inpatient, outpatient, and community-based services. Courtney Kennedy drives the expansion of specialized treatment models for autism and brain injury, ensuring that the institute maintains its international reputation for clinical innovation. Through rigorous oversight of administrative and operational frameworks, the Chief Executive Officer secures the financial and structural stability necessary to provide high-quality care for children and adults with complex developmental needs across the broader healthcare landscape.

Bradley Schlaggar, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Kennedy Krieger Institute, architects the clinical and research vision for the organization. Schlaggar manages the interdisciplinary team model, ensuring that medical expertise translates into effective, individualized treatment plans for patients with rare diseases and neurological disorders. The President & Chief Executive Officer coordinates with the Hunter Nelson Sturge-Weber Syndrome Center to advance translational laboratory research and clinical care standards. By prioritizing evidence-based practices, Bradley Schlaggar drives the institute's impact on global neurological health. This leadership position involves navigating complex healthcare environments to optimize patient outcomes and expand the reach of specialized rehabilitative services. Through constant engagement with medical staff and research faculty, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the institute's position at the forefront of developmental medicine, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and scientific discovery.

Elisa Mintz, the Vice President and Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives at Kennedy Krieger Institute, executes high-level operational projects and cross-departmental alignment. Mintz manages the implementation of strategic initiatives that enhance the institute's capacity to deliver specialized care. By streamlining communication between executive leadership and clinical departments, the Vice President and Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives ensures that organizational goals remain synchronized with patient-centered objectives. This role involves analyzing operational data to identify opportunities for growth and efficiency within the institute's diverse service lines. Elisa Mintz drives the development of new programs that address emerging needs in neurological and rehabilitative medicine. Through the coordination of complex projects, the Vice President and Chief of Staff and Strategic Initiatives supports the long-term sustainability of the institute's mission, ensuring that resources effectively reach the populations requiring specialized developmental support.

Elisa Delia, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Kennedy Krieger Institute, directs internal administrative operations and organizational governance. Delia manages the daily functions of the executive office, ensuring that leadership priorities translate into actionable tasks across the institute. The Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between clinical, educational, and research divisions to maintain operational cohesion. By overseeing administrative workflows, Delia supports the delivery of inpatient and day hospital programs. This leadership role involves managing institutional policies and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards. Elisa Delia drives the optimization of internal processes to improve the overall efficiency of the institute's service delivery. Through the management of key administrative functions, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff enables the organization to focus on its core mission of providing comprehensive care for individuals with neurological and developmental needs.

Michael Johnston, the Chief Medical Officer at Kennedy Krieger Institute, oversees the clinical standards and medical practices across all departments. Johnston manages the medical staff, ensuring that every patient receives evidence-based treatment for conditions such as cerebral palsy and brain injury. The Chief Medical Officer coordinates with clinical teams to integrate research findings into standard care protocols, enhancing the quality of outpatient and inpatient services. By monitoring clinical performance metrics, Johnston drives improvements in patient outcomes and safety. This leadership role involves collaborating with other C-suite executives to align medical strategy with the institute's broader mission. Michael Johnston ensures that the medical staff remains at the cutting edge of neurological care through continuous professional development and rigorous clinical oversight. Through the management of medical operations, the Chief Medical Officer maintains the high standards of care that define the institute's reputation in the healthcare community.

Michelle Melicosta, the Associate Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Quality & Patient Safety & Affairs Professional at Kennedy Krieger Institute, architects the framework for clinical excellence and risk management. Melicosta manages quality assurance programs, ensuring that all patient care services meet stringent safety and regulatory standards. The Associate Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Quality & Patient Safety & Affairs Professional monitors clinical outcomes to identify areas for process improvement and error reduction. By fostering a culture of safety, Melicosta drives the implementation of best practices across the institute's diverse clinical settings. This leadership role involves addressing patient affairs and ensuring that the organization remains responsive to the needs of families and individuals. Michelle Melicosta coordinates with medical leadership to maintain high-quality care delivery, ensuring that the institute's commitment to patient safety remains a central pillar of its operational strategy.