Fred Neis, who earned his BSN and MSN degrees from the University of Kansas School of Nursing, is a senior client partner at global organization Korn Ferry, where he leads efforts to assess, design and implement holistic workforce solutions in health care. Neis said one area of his work at Korn Ferry is focused on proactively developing the next generation of nurse leaders.

"We need to make the role attractive, identify those interested, and provide the opportunities to get prepared for the position,” Neis said. “And once they are in the role, we must support their ongoing development.”

One of Neis’ career highlights is designing and implementing one of the first pay-for-performance models for nurses and essential staff. Neis said that traditionally, there has been alignment in compensation for health care leaders and physicians to achieve core strategic initiatives and metrics. He wanted to develop a comparable model for nurses and essential personnel to motivate and ensure that everyone was going towards the same goal.

Neis grew up in St. Louis and Des Moines, Iowa. He went to undergraduate school at KU before enrolling in the KU School of Nursing. After graduating with his BSN, he worked as an ICU and flight nurse while in graduate school. It was there that he developed his interest in nursing administration.

”Nurses are in all facets of health care, with new roles and opportunities surfacing every day,” Neis said. “We are now working with technology companies, pharmaceuticals, insurance, startups and as social media influencers.”

Neis said his education at the KU School of Nursing fully prepared him for his career.

“Through the BSN program I was immersed in the clinical aspects of care. Graduate school introduced me to a language and concepts about the business of health care. Having both clinical experience and business exposure has allowed me to translate for both.”

Neis continues to be active with the KU School of Nursing and is currently a member of the school’s alumni board.

“The board has a responsibility to share our time and talents with the faculty and the students. Our undergraduate students are trying to figure out what they want to do and where they want to work. Board members can be mentors, networking contacts and teachers,” Neis said. “Meeting a fellow Jayhawk can be the difference between one career path or another.”