NYC Health + Hospitals Announces Two Key Leadership Appointments
Kenra Ford, FABC, MBA, MT (ASCP) Appointed Senior Vice President of Clinical Services Operations, a new role for the health system Divya Pathak, MS, MBA Appointed Vice President and Inaugural Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Office for the health system
Apr 24, 2025
New York, NY — NYC Health + Hospitals today announced two key leadership appointments that were approved by its Board. Kenra Ford, FABC, MBA, MT (ASCP) was appointed Senior Vice President of Clinical Services Operations for NYC Health + Hospitals, a new role for the health system that will focus on implementing strategies that that improve operational and clinical efficiency and financial health. Divya Pathak, MS, MBA, was appointed Vice President and Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer for NYC Health + Hospitals, where she will lead the advancement of data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital innovation. Ford’s position is effective today, and Pathak’s position was effective March 27, pending Board confirmation.
“Today we recognize two leaders who have already built an impressive record within our health system,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “I look forward to working with them in their new roles to help our system build a stronger future.”
“I am most excited to continue to build on all the great work that happens every day!” said NYC Health + Hospitals Senior Vice President of Clinical Services Operations Kenra Ford, FABC, MBA, MT (ASCP). “While creating a new, unified division housing clinical operations and support services, we will be able to further integrate strategically our clinical and operational teams both at the facility and system level, ultimately positively improving access to care. Areas of focus include further expanding clinical shared services in the areas of GI and Sleep services.”
Ford is a senior healthcare executive with over 30 years of leadership experience focused in clinical operations, technology and strategic planning. She joined NYC Health + Hospitals in 2015 as Assistant Vice President of Laboratories, where she oversaw the modernization of the health care system’s 11 acute care clinical laboratories while implementing an enterprise laboratory information system. The transformation led to improved operations while reducing laboratory test costs and the further adoption of standardized work across the system. Most recently, she supported the launch of the systemwide teleradiology service, where a group of radiologists share reading of images across multiple hospitals. Ford is passionate about advancing equitable, high quality healthcare through use of data, technology, and clinical integration while fostering a flexible system leadership team framework structured to focus on prioritized strategies in collaboration with facility and system partners. She holds degrees in Chemistry/Biology, Medical Technology and an MBA from Oklahoma City University.
“NYC Health + Hospitals is uniquely positioned because of the diverse population we serve,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Data and Artificial Intelligence Officer Divya Pathak, MS, MBA. “Leveraging advanced analytics and AI here presents a tremendous opportunity to enhance care delivery, improve operational efficiency, and drive better patient outcomes for all New Yorkers, who come from all walks of life. By effectively implementing AI, we can set a powerful example for other public health systems, demonstrating how AI and digital technology can be tailored to meet the needs of such a diverse population.”
As the new system Chief Data and AI Officer, Pathak will lead data and AI organization, guiding a multidisciplinary technical team, enabling cross-departmental collaboration and driving the development and adoption of data-driven insights, AI-powered solutions, and digital tools that drive care quality, enhance operational performance, and improve patient outcomes across the system. Previously, Pathak served as Chief Data Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, where she led enterprise data strategy and governance. In her expanded role, she now provides systemwide leadership for AI strategy and initiatives.
Pathak brings extensive experience and expertise in data, analytics, and AI, acquired through her previous roles at Mayo Clinic and IBM Research. With nearly 20 years of experience in research, technology and management, Pathak has a proven track record of delivering impactful solutions for a diverse range of stakeholders, including health systems, academic medical centers, payors, and digital health companies. Pathak is a recognized thought leader and subject matter expert in leveraging AI and analytics to address business, clinical, and operational challenges in healthcare. She collaborates with industry leaders and academic institutions to drive the adoption of emerging technologies, advancing AI transformation at scale. Pathak holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, India. She earned a Master of Science in Computer Science from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, and a Master of Business Administration from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
###
MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@nychhc.org
#068-25
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlus health plan—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 43,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
