LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Baptist Health is proud to announce that Kelley Hamby, system chief nursing officer, has been honored with the 2025 Power of Purpose Award. The award was presented at the annual Bolo Bash Luncheon, Baptist Health Foundation’s annual fundraising event, which celebrates individuals who embody the mission, vision and values of Baptist Health through exceptional leadership and service.
Hamby’s journey with Baptist Health began in 1990 as a unit coordinator. Through her dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to patient care, she has risen to become the organization’s first-ever system chief nursing officer. In this role, she oversees nursing operations across 12 hospitals and provides strategic direction for more than 1,000 nurses.
Under her leadership, Baptist Health has advanced numerous systemwide initiatives focused on nursing excellence, quality improvement and leadership development. Hamby has played a critical role in setting and maintaining the highest standards for nursing care throughout the organization.
Beyond her administrative responsibilities, Hamby is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of nurse leaders. Many of those she has guided now serve in influential positions across the state and country, extending her impact far beyond the walls of Baptist Health.
Hamby earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and holds both a Master of Science in Nursing and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Arkansas Nurses Association, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and the Arkansas Hospital Association.
Reflecting on the honor, Hamby shared, “When I think about the Power of Purpose Award and what it means, one of the things that sticks out to me is how, through leadership and development, you’re able to inspire other nurses and leaders throughout the state and beyond. I’ve had the opportunity to touch the lives of a lot of different people and help develop leaders who now serve both within Baptist Health and outside of it, even across the United States. It really all started right here inside the walls of Baptist Health.”
Hamby’s story is a powerful reminder of how purpose-driven leadership can inspire excellence, promote growth and transform the future of health care.
About Baptist Health
For more than a century, Baptist Health has delivered all our best in health care through Christian compassion and innovative services. Baptist Health, Arkansas’ most comprehensive health care organization, is here For You. For Life. – with more than 250 points of access that include 12 hospitals; urgent care centers; a senior living community; over 100 primary and specialty care clinics; a college with studies in nursing and allied health; and a graduate residency program. It is also the largest private not-for-profit health care organization based in Arkansas, providing care through the support of approximately 11,000 employees, groundbreaking treatments, renowned physicians and community outreach programs. For more information about Baptist Health, visit Baptist-Health.com, call Baptist Health HealthLine at 1-888-BAPTIST or download the myBaptistHealth app.