Jennifer Wadden, '15 MBA

Jennifer Wadden, '15 MBA, is the CEO of Northern Medical Connections, leading with a people-first approach that strengthens Canada’s healthcare system. With roots in hospital administration and a University of Alberta MBA, she champions innovation, collaboration and compassionate leadership to support nurses and improve patient care nationwide.

BAA: Tell us about your career journey leading up to your role as CEO. Was there a defining pivot point?

My career has always been driven by a passion for healthcare and a commitment to the delivery of exceptional patient care. I began in healthcare administration and advanced through leadership roles across various hospital settings, gaining a broad perspective on the operational and human dimensions of the public healthcare system. During my maternity leave, my volunteer work remained focused on healthcare, reflecting how deeply it shaped my path.

The 2020 pandemic marked a defining pivot point. While working with a leading consulting firm on pandemic response, I gained a unique vantage point into how public and private entities can collaborate effectively when aligned on a shared purpose. Until then, I had viewed these worlds as separate — this experience demonstrated the value of bridging them. That perspective ultimately led me to my current role as Chief Executive Officer of Northern Medical Connections, where I focus on fostering collaboration, aligning diverse stakeholders, and advancing innovative healthcare staffing solutions that strengthen care delivery for the patients and communities we serve.

BAA: What inspired you to enroll in the Alberta School of Business MBA program? Were there any standout courses, or experiences that helped shape your strategic thinking abilities?

I chose the MBA program at the University of Alberta because it offered the right balance of academic depth and practical application. At that stage in my career, I recognized that pairing organizational leadership with a strong business foundation would be critical to my growth, and this program provided an opportunity to do just that.

Capstone was a highlight, as it brought everything together in a real-world engagement with a local organization and pushed me to integrate across disciplines — an experience that continues to shape the way I think strategically. Beyond the classroom, my involvement as Chapter Co-Leader of Net Impact was equally rewarding. Leading volunteer consulting projects with non-profits focused on social causes and environmental sustainability, allowed me to apply new skills in meaningful ways while reinforcing the importance of strategic thinking that creates impact beyond financial performance.

Most valuable of all were the relationships I built. Many classmates became lifelong friends and trusted peers, and even though several of us now live around the world, we remain closely connected — supporting each other’s careers, sharing advice and celebrating milestones together. That network continues to challenge my thinking, broaden my perspective and add lasting value both professionally and personally.

BAA: What makes Northern Medical Connections unique in the Canadian healthcare landscape?

Every member of the Northern Medical Connections team has an unwavering focus on people — the nurses and healthcare organizations we serve, and the patients they both care for. Our mission is to match nurses to their ideal positions, ensuring they feel fulfilled, valued, and supported in their work. We believe that when nurses are happy in the right roles, they deliver the highest levels of patient care. For us, “people first” is a commitment that can only be validated by the feedback we receive from those we serve. That feedback reminds us that our work is never finished, and it challenges us to keep giving real meaning to our words through action.

We move beyond healthcare staffing by building genuine relationships, fostering a supportive community, and creating an environment where nurses can thrive. This commitment to connection and support ensures we are nurturing careers and contributing to stronger healthcare outcomes.

BAA: What innovations or strategic shifts have you introduced at Northern Medical Connections?

Progress comes from moving forward with purpose, and that principle has guided Northern Medical Connections’ growth. We work hard to protect the personal and customized attention we provide the nurses and healthcare organizations we serve, while also advancing solutions that reduce administrative burden, increase transparency, and enhance quality at each stage of service delivery.

As we looked to the future, it was clear that innovation required more than incremental improvement — it required transformation. Whether paying nurses, sending invoices, onboarding, or evaluating talent, the opportunity was in simplifying and automating workflows, improving quality and effectiveness, and ensuring scalability as we grow. This clarity of purpose sharpened our focus on executing these critical workflows exceptionally well. By combining high-touch service with innovative solutions, we ensure that those we serve benefit from both the trusted relationships they value and the forward-looking strategies they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment. 

BAA:What are some of the most rewarding — and most challenging — aspects of leading a healthcare services organization?

The most rewarding part of leading Northern Medical Connections is the opportunity to foster continued engagement in the nursing profession. By matching our nurses with a rich set of experiences across the country, including opportunities in many rural and remote communities, we help them build fulfilling careers while ensuring patients continue to benefit from their expertise and dedication. Seeing nurses thrive in roles that align with their skills and passions, while also supporting communities that might otherwise struggle to access quality care, is a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

I also recognize the responsibility to protect and elevate the reputation of the travel nurse industry. For me, that means prioritizing relationships built on trust, professionalism, and integrity — with our nurses, healthcare partners, and the communities we serve. Every interaction matters, and by approaching them with consistency and care, we create the foundation for collaboration and ensure patients receive the quality care they deserve.

BAA: How do you define your leadership style, and how has it evolved over time? 

My approach to leadership is grounded in vision, authenticity and service. I believe it is an ongoing journey of learning,  growth and showing up for others. I see it as a responsibility to bring people together around a shared purpose, while  staying true to the values that define me. That means putting people first and creating a space where they feel supported, trusted, and motivated to do their best. It also means holding myself and my team accountable to the highest  standards, so that the staffing solutions we deliver genuinely strengthen healthcare organizations and, most importantly,  improve patient care. 

Over time, my leadership has centred on the power of teams and the belief that great teams accomplish great things. I work to help people move beyond perceived limits, elevating the team to levels of performance they may not have thought possible. In turn, the team challenges and elevates me. This dynamic fosters a culture of mutual growth, where excellence is achieved. 

BAA: What legacy or long-term impact do you hope to create in the healthcare space? 

Our long-term impact is rooted in strengthening care for rural and remote communities through lasting, meaningful connections. Many of our nurses return year after year to support the same facilities, while others decide to put down roots following a rewarding temporary assignment. Wherever their journey leads, Northern Medical Connections remains committed to creating strong matches that support nurses, respond to community needs, and improve access to quality patient care across Canada.