Dr. Jennifer McCafferty-Fernandez has been promoted to vice president of strategy and external affairs, chief of staff at Nicklaus Children’s Health System. In this role, she oversees the Office of the CEO, encompassing government and community affairs, corporate responsibility, innovation, strategy, and marketing and corporate communications.

Dr. McCafferty-Fernandez joined Nicklaus Children’s in 2016 as chief research officer. Under her leadership, Nicklaus Children’s Research Institute tripled its research portfolio and, together with national collaborators, established its Personalized Medicine Initiative, dedicated to tailoring medical management to each child’s individual characteristics, needs and preferences.

In 2019, Dr. McCafferty-Fernandez was promoted to vice president and chief of staff for the health system, a role in which she supported the realignment of organizational priorities, led creation of a three-year strategic plan, and provided leadership to teams responsible for government and community affairs, innovation, strategy, and marketing and corporate communications.

“Jennifer is an inspirational leader who has been instrumental in galvanizing our organization to embrace a new vision for the future, leading key teams that are integral to our essential role and voice within our community,” said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of the health system. “We look forward to her continued leadership within our health system.”

Dr. McCafferty-Fernandez earned her doctorate in molecular and cellular pharmacology from the University of Miami. Prior to joining Nicklaus Children’s, she held key appointments at the University of Miami, and University of Miami Health System and Miller School of Medicine.