Published: February 22, 2021
By the I.C.E. Editor
From those just starting out in the credentialing industry to those who have dedicated more than 20 years of service to the field, everyone’s career path is unique. For some, working in credentialing wasn’t even a thought until a career change was an option. For others, leaving the field only to come back years later solidified their professional success. Below we share the 2020 I.C.E. Exchange Ignite Session presentations from five industry professionals at different stages of their career paths. To learn about each individual’s career path in-depth, be sure to watch each video.
New to Credentialing
Chad Reilly, MBA, Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center
Chad began his career journey as a marketing professional at an advertising agency, but eventually found his calling in the nonprofit, association management industry. After working for the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association (HPNA) for 11 years, he accepted the position of senior vice president at the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center. Watch the video below to learn more about Chad’s career journey and his experience entering the credentialing field for the first time as a senior leader within an organization.
Kelly Zhao, PhD, PSI Services
After moving to the United States over 12 years ago, Kelly received a doctorate degree in statistics and research methodology with a focus in biostatistics from Loyola University in Chicago, and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Kelly is also new to credentialing with just over three years of experience as a psychometrician at PSI Services. To learn more about her career path, click the video below.
Worked in Credentialing, Left, Then Returned
Kevin Bradley, PhD, Human Resources Research Organization
Like many in the industry, Kevin did not plan on working in credentialing. After beginning his career at the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), Kevin soon found himself at a crossroads between credentialing and talent management. He ultimately decided to leave credentialing, but soon found his way back to the field after a few years at a for-profit consulting firm. Learn more about Kevin’s career journey and how he ended up as a senior staff scientist at the Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO) below.
Mid-career Professional
Jessica M. Anderson, Data Recognition Corporation
Jessica’s path in the credentialing field is a unique one as it comes from the perspective of a test development specialist. Her journey has continued to revolve around licensing and certification, primarily in content development and working closely with psychometricians. However, six years ago she shifted from working for a large testing company to a contracting/consulting company while being a full-time parent. View her story in the video below.
Approaching Retirement
Kory Ward-Cook, PhD, MT(ASCP), CAE
Kory entered the credentialing field as a tenured university professor, becoming the executive director of the American Society for the Clinical Pathology (ASCP). After serving six years at ASCP, she accepted a position as CEO for the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), where she dedicated 15 years of service to the credentialing field before retiring. To hear Kory’s career story, click the video below.
Special thanks to Bill West, vice president of business development at Examity and sustaining member representative on the I.C.E. board of directors for hosting the 2020 I.C.E. Exchange Ignite presentations.
I.C.E. Career Pathways Resources
I.C.E. provides education, networking and other resources for organizations and individuals who work in and serve the credentialing industry. To learn more about career pathways, including the job competency matrix, visit the Career Pathways webpage.