Ashley Jester, MS, CDH-P
Ashley Jester, MS, CDH-P, is an accomplished leader in career development, credentialing, and association management, with over a decade of experience supporting healthcare professionals in advancing their careers. She has a proven track record in designing and overseeing professional education and certification programs, expanding a single credential into a robust portfolio of five certifications and 13 examinations across multiple countries. Passionate about lifelong learning, Ashley leverages her expertise in program development, membership engagement, and networking to create pathways that empower professionals and foster collaboration across the healthcare IT industry.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ashley is a dedicated humanitarian and advocate for community service. She is a published author of Poppy’s Story, a deeply personal account of her journey through pregnancy challenges and the fight to save her unborn child. The book highlights themes of resilience, hope, and courage, offering inspiration to mothers and families navigating uncertainty. Through her writing and volunteer work, Ashley emphasizes the human element in healthcare, championing programs and initiatives that prioritize patient care and professional development.
Ashley holds a Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in evaluation, research, and measurement from Capella University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University. She is a Certified Digital Health Professional and an active member of CHIME, contributing her expertise in professional development and credentialing to advance healthcare IT leadership. Currently seeking leadership opportunities in education, credentialing, membership engagement, or strategic portfolio management, Ashley brings a strategic, results-driven vision with a commitment to helping others succeed.
• Certified Digital Health Professional
• Ashley Jester
• Capella University - MS
• CHIME
• Advisory Baord member, Trustworthy Technology and Innovation
• Board of Directors, Life Together Nicaragua (LTN)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to strong mentorship and collaboration with both members and industry stakeholders, as well as designing programs that address real-world needs for professionals and the patients they serve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering the industry to prioritize building strong connections. Don’t assume that processes are known or that paths are always clear, actively engage with your teams and leadership. Continuously evolve strategies to ensure alignment with the business structure, and always keep the patient at the center, because ultimately, everything we do in healthcare impacts the patient experience.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is leveraging AI to streamline workflows and help reduce burnout. Additionally, I see significant potential in micro-credentialing and developing new learning pathways to address gaps in workforce skills, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and patient-safety awareness.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are keeping the patient experience at the center, preserving the human component in healthcare, and embracing the principle of “purpose over pain.”
Locations
Independence, KY 41051