Kennedy Krieger Institute Earns Forbes Best Employers in Maryland Recognition for Second Consecutive Year

Kennedy Krieger Institute has been named to the Forbes list of Best Employers in Maryland for 2025, marking the second consecutive year the organization has received this recognition. The institute ranked 39th among all Maryland employers and 19th among companies with headquarters in the state, based on comprehensive employee surveys and public evaluations.

The Forbes ranking, America's Best Employers by State, derives from surveys of over 160,000 employees nationwide who rated their employers on a zero to 10 scale and indicated whether they would recommend their workplace to others. The assessment also incorporated feedback from friends and family members of employees as well as industry peers. Companies with more than 500 employees qualify for consideration, and participation in the ranking requires no fee.

Dr. Brad Schlaggar, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Kennedy Krieger Institute, emphasized the significance of this recognition, stating that it reflects the organization's dedication to creating a welcoming workplace where employees feel valued and can make meaningful impacts on patients' lives. The institute employs more than 3,100 staff members who provide medical, therapeutic, educational, research, and community services to nearly 30,000 unique patients and students annually.

Raymond Short, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Kennedy Krieger, noted that the award validates the special workplace culture that employees experience daily. The institute's mission-driven approach and commitment to nervous system disorder treatment and research contribute to its positive work environment. Those interested in learning more about career opportunities can visit https://www.kennedykrieger.org/careers.

This recognition matters because it underscores the importance of employee satisfaction in healthcare organizations, particularly those serving vulnerable populations with complex neurological conditions. High employee morale and retention directly impact the quality of patient care and the institution's ability to attract top talent in the competitive healthcare sector. The consecutive year recognition suggests consistent organizational practices that support workforce engagement and professional fulfillment.