UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Aileen Galley has joined the Department of Health Policy and Administration (HPA) as programs manager for the Master of Health Administration (MHA) programs, effective Aug. 14.
Galley is a graduate of Penn State and completed her graduate work at Rutgers University, with a specialization in healthcare. She is a master’s prepared social worker and holds certification from the Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Galley has spent her career dedicated to patient care, serving in a vast array of healthcare settings in a series of progressively responsible leadership roles. Currently, Galley teaches in Penn State’s Department of Rehabilitation and Human Services, a program with an emphasis on improving the quality of life for persons impacted by disabilities across the lifespan, and the psychosocial, physical, mental, educational, vocational and recreational aspects of their lives.
Prior to returning to academia, Galley served for more than 14 years as the administrative director of the cancer program at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. This nationally recognized program provides oncology services, outreach, education, screening and prevention for more than 850 new patients each year. Under Galley’s leadership, the program received numerous commendations, including the Commission on Cancer Outstanding Achievement Award, North Central Pennsylvania Area Health Education Outstanding Dental Partnership of the Year Award and the American Cancer Society Award of Distinction.
Galley has also been recognized with the Mimi Unger Barash Coppersmith Pink Zone Champion Award, the Mount Nittany Health Medical Staff STAR Award for Excellence in Research and the American Cancer Society Quality of Life Mission Award.
Galley’s contributions to her community include the creation and funding of an oncology patient navigation program, including a dedicated position for a breast health navigator. She contributed to the education and expansion on the field of cancer care navigation as a founding member of the Pennsylvania Patient Navigation Network.
Galley serves on the allocations committee for the Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund. She previously served on the advisory board for the Northern Appalachian Cancer Network and was vice president of the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Pink Zone. She has served as president of the Centre Unit Board for the American Cancer Society, on the care delivery team of the Pennsylvania Cancer Control Consortium, and on the board for Tides, a bereavement support program for children facing loss. For the past four years, Galley has served as a facilitator for the Penn State College of Medicine’s regional campus for its third-year medical student retreat, focusing on resilience with the overarching goal of decreasing student and physician burnout.
Galley has been a highly regarded instructor at Penn State for the Department of Health Policy and Administration. She has served as a consultant providing strategic planning to area not-for-profit organizations. Previously she was instrumental in the development and administration of a system-wide case management program for the Geisinger Health System.
In addition to her directorial experience, Galley has extensive clinical experience as a social worker and case manager, specializing in oncology and other chronic and life threatening illnesses. Galley continues to serve as an independent consultant for health care clients, exploring provider related topics, including resiliency, compassion fatigue, shared decision making, patient-provider communications, and oncology patient navigation.
“It has been a joy to return to Penn State in support of students seeking careers in health care,” Galley said. “I am humbled to work with the exceptional caliber of students and faculty in MHA. I look forward to working with our graduate students, both residential and online. The Penn State MHA programs’ core principles of leadership, innovation, integrity and empathy have defined my career as well, and I look forward to cultivating these attributes as part of the team.”
Christopher Calkins, executive director of both the residential and online Master of Health Administration programs, said Galley brings a depth of professional experiences to the MHA programs, which aligns with the diversity of professional roles occupied by its students.
“Ms. Galley’s background, coupled with her commitment to education excellence, are a perfect match for our team and our students,” Calkins said.
“We are very fortunate to have found someone who has extensive and relevant education and experience to provide guidance, professional development and support for our MHA students,” said Christopher Hollenbeak, professor and head of the Department of Health Policy and Administration.
A degree in health policy and administration prepares students to work in a variety of health care organizations, such as hospitals, physician practices, home health agencies, health insurance companies, medical device manufacturers, research and policy organizations or governmental agencies.