Program Lead, North Highland

peter.cotterrell@northhighland.com

Peter has worked for North Highland for over 15 years. For the past nine years, he has been part of the Tallahassee office serving Public Sector clients across Florida, Georgia, Texas, Ohio and Oregon. This is Peter’s third year working on the FLEX program with Florida CAHs. Peter is leading the North Highland team supporting the FLEX program, with a focus on the financial and operational improvement analysis and recommendations. Peter has a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Leeds.

QI Specialist, Alliant Health Solutions

Amy.Ward@allianthealth.org

Amy is a registered nurse with a diverse background in microbiology, acute care nursing, hospital epidemiology and infection prevention.  She is board certified in infection prevention and control and a Fellow of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).  Amy holds a master’s degree in infection prevention and epidemiology and is passionate about leading and mentoring new and future infection preventionists in their career paths.

FLEX Coordinator, State Office of Rural Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight, Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support, Florida Department of Health

Cynthia.Weaver@flhealth.gov

Cynthia brings over 25 years of experience spanning state, local, and private sectors, with expertise in operations, human resources, logistics, and project management. She is known for translating complex data into actionable strategies, streamlining systems, and leading initiatives that strengthen healthcare logistics, emergency preparedness, and organizational resilience. Her work supports the Flex Program’s mission to enhance rural hospital performance and sustain community health access across Florida.

TBD

Director, Office of Rural Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight, Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support, Florida Department of Health

kayleen.pafford@flhealth.gov

Kayleen serves as the Director of the Office of Rural Health at the Florida Department of Health, bringing over five years of dedicated experience in state government. With an extensive background in healthcare systems and strategic program development, she is committed to strengthening the infrastructure that supports Florida’s rural populations.

A staunch advocate for community engagement, Kayleen leverages her firsthand experience to drive initiatives that improve healthcare access and patient outcomes. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to building resilient health systems that meet the unique needs of rural residents. Having worked in and currently living in a rural community, her mission is rooted in helping those who need it most by meeting them where they are.

Kayleen holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Human Services and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at Florida State University.

Flex Analyst, Office of Rural Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Oversight, Division of Emergency Preparedness and Community Support, Florida Department of Health

kendall.henry@flhealth.gov

Kendall serves as the Flex grant analyst at The Florida Department of Health in the Office of Rural Health helping rural and critical access hospitals in Florida with grant funding, technical assistance, and improving quality measures. As a former professional accountant with the Florida Department of Health in the Office of Budget & Revenue Management, she uses her past experience in accounting to assist and analyze the most effective ways hospitals can meet critical financial needs, quality improvement, and operational goals in an effort to better serve rural communities.   

Director, North Highland

Jennifer.elmore@Northhighland.com

Jennifer has been with North Highland since 2020. She has more than a decade of professional experience working in and with state and county governments, and leading high-performing teams, multidisciplinary projects, strategic planning, performance improvement, program evaluation, communication, and research. Jennifer is engaged in the Tallahassee office serving Florida State Agencies and nonprofits primarily in the Health and Human Services arena. She is dedicated to creating a brighter, healthier future for Floridians through collaboration and a commitment to planned action. Jennifer has a Master of Human Services and Doctor of Organizational Leadership from Southeastern University.