Jaqueline Burgess-Bishop, FACHE, retires as CEO of NKFI

After seven years of leadership, Jacqueline Burgess-Bishop, FACHE, announced her retirement. Her last day with NKFI is Friday, September 11. She is currently serving as advisor to the CEO, Bill Crowley. Jackie wrote the below, reflecting on her career and looking ahead to the future.

Retiring—and Rewiring: After more than 40 years in health care leadership, I am retiring but not stepping away from purpose. I am rewiring for what comes next and balancing more time with family.

My career has taken me across health systems, nonprofit organizations, consulting, entrepreneurship, and community-based service. Each chapter reinforced a lesson I will carry forward: meaningful change happens when strategy is paired with collaboration, leveraging data analytics and research, with a deep commitment to the people and communities we serve.

Serving as CEO of the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois has been a privilege. I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff, board members, volunteers, partners, health professionals, advocates, patients, and families who share a determination to change the trajectory of kidney disease, while supporting the patient and caregiver experience along the continuum. Together, we advanced prevention, education, services, advocacy, and empowerment—and strengthened the pursuit of health equity across Illinois.

As I enter this next season, I am making space to reflect, recharge, and redirect my experience toward new ways of serving and purposefully incorporating more family time. Rewiring means remaining curious, connected, and open to opportunities to mentor emerging leaders, support mission-driven organizations, champion healthier communities, and contribute where purpose and impact intersect.

To the colleagues, mentors, friends, and community partners who have been part of this journey: thank you. Your trust, wisdom, partnership, and encouragement have shaped me in ways that will endure well beyond any title.

I am closing one chapter with gratitude—and beginning the next with intention. Here’s to retiring, rewiring, and continuing to make a difference.