Jacquelynn Y. Orr

Jacquelynn Y. Orr, program officer, joined the Research, Learning and Evaluation (REL) team of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) in 2019. As a strategic liaison to RWJF’s efforts to transform health and healthcare systems, she draws upon her extensive skills in physician practice management, medical education, healthcare delivery, public health, and health disparities research. Jacquelynn’s professional experience and evidence-based practice skills contribute to the REL team’s approach to research, measurement, evaluation, and shared learning. She views her role as one of “helping to connect, incorporate, and share best practices of organizations that are addressing the needs of individuals and communities to improve health and well-being for all.”

Before joining the Foundation, and while enrolled in a full-time doctoral program, Jacquelynn served as a patient experience data fellow with Penn Medicine in Philadelphia. In this role she promoted improved patient experiences and analyzed patient satisfaction surveys. She also served as a health disparities intern with AmeriHealth Caritas in Philadelphia, and as an administrative intern with the Institute for Diversity and Health Equity, an affiliate of the American Hospital Association.

Earlier, Jacquelynn was executive director for Long-Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH) Physician Practices with Select Medical. She was also director of Practice Management for Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health (PHBH). She provided overall administrative direction for 50 physicians and advanced practice nurses; oversaw a $10 million provider-related operating budget; and facilitated provider recruitment efforts. She also held management and fellowship positions with medical centers, hospitals, and healthcare systems in Mechanicsburg, Pa., Brooklyn, N.Y., St. Louis and Chicago.

Jacquelynn earned her DrPH in health policy and social justice from Drexel University, Philadelphia, a Master’s degree in health administration from Saint Louis University; and a BS in environmental chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana. In 2017, she received Drexel’s Alumni Association Board of Governors Outstanding Student Award for organizing the William S. Pittman Graduation Celebration and Reception, the first annual ceremony of its kind that honors and celebrates Drexel graduates from the African diaspora. Pittman was the first African American male graduate of Drexel Institute of Art, Science and Industry (now Drexel University).

Born and raised in Detroit, Jacquelynn now lives in Philadelphia where, in her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, live music, and reading.