Media Release | March 20, 2025
Pasco Hernando State College Media Relations
Jennifer Neal Jimenez, MD Leads as PHSC’s Executive Director for the Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement
Jennifer Neal Jimenez, MD, was chosen to serve as Executive Director for Pasco-Hernando State College’s recently established Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement, beginning October 21. Neal Jimenez recently held a round-table meeting, hosting representatives from local healthcare partners. The discussion centered on the region’s current challenges and the first group of initiatives proposed by the Institute and the attendees.
“The creation of the Institute opens the opportunity to bring data-driven solutions with a target to reduce the Nursing and Allied Health workforce shortage. We are working on simultaneous initiatives to aid nursing and allied health professionals in finding the right pathway to join the workforce immediately. The health career evaluation service is live and open to the public, who can come to us and bring any documentation of what they have done. We will soon distribute the first survey for healthcare workers to explore the reasons behind the healthcare shortage. There are more exciting initiatives to launch soon. We always welcome ideas and proposals,” said Neal Jimenez.
Neal Jimenez is an accomplished physician with over 20 years of experience in academic, clinical and research leadership roles, including an adjunct faculty member for the Biological Sciences Department at PHSC. Jimenez has proven expertise in strategic planning and data-driven decision-making, with a strong track record of advancing new programs and initiatives through critical phases, coupled with a strong academic background.
Neal Jimenez is playing a pivotal role in collaborating with hospital and community partners and is the boots on the ground working towards shaping the future of the Institute. Neal Jimenez’s key strategies include direct partnerships with local healthcare organizations, research into these workforce fields’ challenges, and addressing educational needs through a hands-on approach.
“I give a special thanks to Rep. Randy Maggard and the Florida legislature for their $1.5 million appropriation towards the Institute. PHSC is honored to be entrusted with establishing the Institute, allowing PHSC to work collaboratively with our local hospitals and public and private stakeholders to identify, find, and increase solutions for the incoming workforce going into the nursing and allied health profession,” said Lisa Richardson, Ed.D., vice president of advancement, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Neal Jimenez is serving as the institute’s inaugural executive director and is already establishing a legacy for the role.
For more information about The Institute for Nursing and Allied Health Advancement visit community.phsc.edu/institute.
