The American Health Council has welcomed Kelley Woodfin, RN, DFASHRM, CPHRM, as “Best in Medicine” in recognition of her outstanding success and leadership in the field of Risk Management.
As a registered nurse with deep experience in emergency services and managed care, Kelley Woodfin brings a unique clinical perspective to the business world. She is the president and owner of CORE Risk Services, Inc. In this role, Kelley delivers expert risk management consulting to healthcare companies, specializing in loss prevention, alternative dispute resolution, and risk transfer solutions.
Ms. Woodfin’s journey is a testament to how early life challenges can shape a lifetime of impactful work. Her path into healthcare began at just 18 months old when she contracted polio. This early encounter with the medical world involved extensive hospitalization and five years of physical therapy. Surrounded by dedicated nurses and doctors during her formative years, she developed a clear ambition: to pursue a career where she could provide the same level of care and support she received.
Today, Ms. Woodfin is the president and owner of CORE Risk Services, Inc. As a registered nurse with a diverse background that includes paramedic training, emergency services, and managed care, she now provides expert risk management consulting to healthcare organizations. Her firm specializes in critical areas such as loss prevention strategies, alternative dispute resolution, and innovative risk transfer solutions, helping companies navigate the complex landscape of healthcare.
Throughout her extensive career, Ms. Woodfin has cultivated a unique expertise. She is a trusted advisor in enterprise risk management, compliance program development, and quality improvement for acute care and skilled nursing facilities. Before launching her own firm, she held influential positions that shaped her approach. From 2004 to 2009, she served as the Vice President of Risk Management Consulting Services for Southern California Presbyterian Homes. Prior to that, she was an outsourced Corporate Risk Manager for Aon Risk Consulting Services Inc. and the Director of Risk Management for Universal Care Inc. and CA Health Plans, FHP Inc.
Her career is filled with notable highlights, including her time as a flight nurse and coordinator for Life Flight California and a commissioner for Los Angeles County Commission Services. Among her proudest achievements is being named a distinguished fellow with the American Society of Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM), a significant milestone in her field. She also holds a certification as a Professional in Healthcare Risk Management (CPHRM). Ms. Woodfin solidified her business acumen with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, earned with honors from the University of Phoenix in 1995, which complements her diploma in nursing from the University of Southern California’s School of Nursing.
What truly drives Ms. Woodfin is her innate need to help people. She thrives in the dynamic and often unpredictable world of risk management, where quick thinking and creative problem-solving are essential. One career moment remains particularly memorable for her. She cared for a 21-year-old woman who, after a devastating cancer diagnosis, drove her car off a cliff. The patient was in critical condition and required extensive surgery. Five years later, the same woman, now cancer-free, married, and a mother, found Ms. Woodfin and told her, “You saved my life.” This powerful encounter reinforced the profound impact of her work.
To stay at the forefront of her industry, Woodfin is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Utah Association for Healthcare Risk Management, the California Nurses Association, and the Southern California Society for Healthcare Risk Management. Her commitment extends beyond her professional life into her community. She generously volunteers her time and skills as an emergency responder with the Medical Reserve Corps in Salt Lake City. Her exceptional contributions were previously honored with the Lifetime Achievement of Risk Management Services Award from the Southern California Association.
Looking ahead, Kelley Woodfin aims to continue the growth and success of her career, expanding her influence and helping more healthcare organizations excel. When reflecting on her legacy, she hopes to be remembered not just for her intelligence and professional skill, but for the compassion that has guided her every step of the way.
