Kelly Baird-Cox, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC, CPEN, CEN, TCRN, NEA-BC, CENP

Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Patient Care ServicesChief Nursing Officer, Henry Ford Hospital
Vice President of Patient Care Services

Kelly Baird-Cox, DNP, RN, serves as chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at Henry Ford Hospital, the flagship academic medical center of Henry Ford Health. She provides executive leadership for nursing practice, patient care services and workforce strategy while fostering a culture of belonging, clinical excellence and professional growth. With more than 35 years of progressive clinical and executive leadership experience, Dr. Baird-Cox has dedicated her career to improving care for patients, families and communities. Her professional journey spans roles from bedside nurse to clinical nurse specialist, pediatric nurse practitioner and chief nursing officer, giving her a broad perspective on the evolving needs of healthcare delivery and the nursing profession.

Before joining Henry Ford Hospital, Dr. Baird-Cox served as chief nursing officer at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital at University of Michigan Health. There, she led a Magnet-designated, unionized organization through periods of significant growth, transformation and operational complexity while strengthening quality, safety, patient experience and professional practice.

Known for her people-centered, relationship-based leadership style, Dr. Baird-Cox is committed to creating environments where nurses feel respected, supported and valued to contribute their expertise at the highest level. She believes exceptional patient care begins with engaged teams and that investing in nurses is essential to improving healthcare outcomes.

Committed to advancing the nursing profession, Dr. Baird-Cox focuses on developing future nurse leaders and strengthening academic and clinical partnerships. Proud to serve the Detroit community, she believes academic medical centers have a unique responsibility to improve health, advance discovery and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. She considers it a privilege to serve alongside the nurses and healthcare teams of Henry Ford Hospital as they care for patients, families and communities.