Her Story
About Whitney
Whitney Preston, BHSA, is a Business Analyst at CHI Saint Joseph Health in Lexington, Kentucky, where she contributes to patient-centered initiatives and operational improvements within a large hospital system. In her current role, she focuses on business analysis, IT-driven process improvement, and workflow optimization to enhance healthcare delivery and administrative efficiency. Recently stepping into this position after serving as an Administrative Intern, she has quickly established herself as a dedicated and adaptable team member, independently learning complex systems and supporting hospital operations as part of a team of one.
Whitney’s professional background spans diverse fields within healthcare and service industries, including dental assisting, funeral services, and hospitality management. She began her career working in patient-facing and customer service roles, where she developed strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Her early experience in funeral services provided a foundation in empathy and professionalism, while her time as a bartender strengthened her ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. She later returned to healthcare as a dental assistant, further solidifying her commitment to patient care and service.
Driven by a desire to create a better future for her daughter, Whitney returned to school at age 30, earning both an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science before completing her bachelor’s degree in Health Science Administration at Eastern Kentucky University. Her academic and professional journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and a strong commitment to growth. Above all, she is motivated by her role as a mother and her passion for helping others, values that continue to guide her work in healthcare and her dedication to making a meaningful impact in her field.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Whitney
01What do you attribute your success to?
Besides the people that have taken me in under their wing and the mentorship that I've received while being at the hospital, I would say it's probably just grit, determination, and the refusal to quit. I've always been a worker - I've worked since I was probably 14, and I've never quit working. That was always how I knew that I would be okay. Even when life got hard and I had to raise myself from age 18, even when I made a lot of mistakes and put college on the back burner, I never stopped working. That's the one thing I can say about myself that I'm probably really proud of.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't stop moving, no matter what direction it is, no matter what it looks like. I've dealt with a lot because of my personal history, and I've really had to learn to manage and deal with a lot of anxiety, and it will cause you to freeze. I think that's the biggest thing I've taught myself, and what I would tell anyone: just don't quit moving, no matter what that looks like for you that day. Get up, do something in a positive direction towards the goal, whether it's sending a single email, or just taking a shower, if that's all you can manage. Just don't quit moving.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I think, in terms of challenges, it's healthcare in general. I've come into this specific type of healthcare - I've always considered dental healthcare - but it's very clearly not that simple when you start to split the difference. I think economy-wise and in terms of the political atmosphere, there's a lot to be desired in healthcare all the way around right now. Those are battles that you're seeing all day, every single day, and it really shapes how you have to navigate the work.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity means the most to me, absolutely. I can deal with a lot, and I do, and you see a lot of things, but I think especially the older I get, and with my daughter, integrity means the most to me. Empathy is just as important - just being able to be kind and consider where someone else is coming from. I can take criticism in any direction, as long as it's done constructively and with kindness and empathy in mind. I've really, truly been blessed to be shown that where I'm at now. Those probably matter the most to me.
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