Baptist Health selects Katie Ensign as vice president of Community Investment and Impact

Following an extensive review process, Katie Ensign has been selected as vice president of Community Investment and Impact at Baptist Health. Ensign will succeed Melanie Patz, who served in this role for more than 8 years before she was chosen as the new CEO of United Way of Northeast Florida.

Beginning March 1, Ensign will lead Baptist Health’s efforts to improve the health of the community, contribute to the well-being of all community members, and eliminate health disparities through partnerships, civic involvement, responsible action and charitable service.

“We know a majority of the factors that impact someone’s health and well-being happen outside of the walls of a hospital and doctor’s office. That’s why we’re committed to investing in the community’s health needs in a transformational way,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “Katie’s leadership will help us continue this important work that is at the heart of our mission as a not-for-profit health system.”

Ensign has dedicated her career to serving not-for-profit organizations. She most recently served as the vice president of placemaking and administration at the Jessie Ball duPont Fund in Jacksonville. Prior to joining the Jessie Ball duPont Fund in 2010, she served as president and CEO of Florida Philanthropic Network and before that, as vice president of programs for the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida.

As a mission-driven, not-for-profit health system, Baptist Health has a long history of investing into the community to improve overall health, at every stage of life. The health system invests more than $250 million annually in social responsibility initiatives, charity care and cost of uncompensated care.

“It is an exciting time for Jacksonville, and Baptist Health is at the pinnacle of community innovation and opportunity as evidenced by its leadership bringing Blue Zones to our city,” said Ensign. “I am delighted to join the Social Responsibility team and continue the great work underway.”

Ensign currently serves on the Blue Zones Project Jacksonville steering committee; Lift Jax steering committee; and the City of Jacksonville’s Strategic Partnerships steering committee. She also serves on the board of directors of Feedback Labs. Ensign has recently served on the board of Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida and Northeast Florida Continuum of Care.

Ensign is a graduate of Executive Leadership Florida. She received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Denison University in Ohio.