UnityPoint Health Announces Next Chief Operating Officer
Dec 15, 2025
Jenni Friedly has been selected to serve as Chief Operating Officer for UnityPoint Health, effective immediately. Friedly most recently served as Market President of UnityPoint Health – Waterloo, where she brings 16 years of operational experience.
“Jenni brings a strong background in operational excellence with a continued commitment to providing an exceptional experience to our team members, patients and communities,” says Scott Kizer, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnityPoint Health. “I am confident in Jenni’s leadership as we continue our efforts to improve performance and strengthen care delivery across our organization.”
As Chief Operating Officer, Jenni will be responsible for ensuring that all Markets within UnityPoint Health collaborate to drive quality, improve access, and strengthen financial performance for UnityPoint Health.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead at UnityPoint Health in a new way, so we can continue to deliver on our mission of improving the health of the people and communities we serve,” says Friedly.
Jenni received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Upper Iowa University and her Master of Science degree in Nursing from Allen College in Waterloo. She is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Academy at UnityPoint Health and serves on numerous non-profit boards and committees in the Cedar Valley.
Carolyn Barko will assume the role of Interim Market President for UnityPoint Health – Waterloo as the organization launches an internal/external search for a permanent President in Waterloo.
“Jenni brings a strong background in operational excellence with a continued commitment to providing an exceptional experience to our team members, patients and communities,” says Scott Kizer, President and Chief Executive Officer of UnityPoint Health. “I am confident in Jenni’s leadership as we continue our efforts to improve performance and strengthen care delivery across our organization.”
As Chief Operating Officer, Jenni will be responsible for ensuring that all Markets within UnityPoint Health collaborate to drive quality, improve access, and strengthen financial performance for UnityPoint Health.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead at UnityPoint Health in a new way, so we can continue to deliver on our mission of improving the health of the people and communities we serve,” says Friedly.
Jenni received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Upper Iowa University and her Master of Science degree in Nursing from Allen College in Waterloo. She is a graduate of the Executive Leadership Academy at UnityPoint Health and serves on numerous non-profit boards and committees in the Cedar Valley.
Carolyn Barko will assume the role of Interim Market President for UnityPoint Health – Waterloo as the organization launches an internal/external search for a permanent President in Waterloo.
“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to lead at UnityPoint Health in a new way, so we can continue to deliver on our mission of improving the health of the people and communities we serve."
