Women of the Year – Kelley Curtis, St. Luke’s Health System

By Heide Brandes

Kelley A. Curtis, vice president of Pharmacy and Lab Center of Excellence at St. Luke’s Health System, is known for her professional and innovative approach to growth and achievement, a trait that recently earned her a spot on Becker’s Hospital Review List of 75 Chief Pharmacy Officers to Know.

Curtis’s professional journey began after she earned a Bachler of Science in Pharmacy, an MBA and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She rose through the ranks to become a key figure in health care administration. Her career progression at St. Luke’s Health System, from chief pharmacy officer to her current role as vice president, has been widely recognized.

Her achievements in women’s leadership were recognized with the WCA TWIN Award in April 2023, celebrating her role as a mentor and leader in the health care sector.

Her commitment to professional excellence is further evidenced by her recent certification as a Pharmacy Executive Leader (CPEL) in May 2024. She is also involved in community service and leadership, serving as board president for the Meridian Medical Charter Arts High School HOSA Boosters and as a board member for the American Heart Association’s Go Red initiative in Idaho.

Her volunteer work with organizations like the Idaho Food Bank and Ronald McDonald House demonstrates her commitment to giving back to her community.

“I believe in the transformative power of kindness and the importance of mindful communication,” she said. “In every interaction, whether personal or professional, I prioritize empathy and thoughtfulness, aware that words, once spoken, cannot be taken back.”

As a cancer survivor, Curtis also knows the importance of optimizing the present to make a difference.

“Kelley has propelled the St. Luke’s Pharmacy operations to new heights through the expansion of services to meet the growing Idaho population and to address areas where retail pharmacies are scaling back their hours of operation or closing locations,” said Clementine Mehrens, director of Pharmacy Business for St. Luke’s Health System. “Kelley has not only focused on accessibility of medications, she e also truly cares about the concerning number of individuals who cannot afford their medications. Almost immediately after joining St. Luke’s, Kelley addressed affordability issue by establishing a Medication Access Team dedicated to helping patients and their medical providers navigate through what is often a complicated process of qualifying for assistance programs.”

Because of Curtis’ foresight, tens of thousands of patients each year no longer have to worry about obtaining their life saving medications. Additionally, expansion of pharmacy operations has resulted in the doubling of pharmacy staff, adding valuable jobs to the Idaho communities and bringing financial contributions locally.

“Leading a diverse team, I strive to create an environment where all leaders feel safe and valued to share their perspectives,” she said. “This approach fosters a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere, where diverse thoughts bring about significant advancements and solutions in health care.”