When joining the UAB Medicine Leadership Development Office’s (LDO) Institute for Leadership Cohort 7 in Fall 2023, Marissa Keppley, MBA, who currently serves as Executive Administrator in the UAB Department of Urology, didn’t anticipate how transformative the experience would be, not just for her professional skill set, but for the relationships it cultivated.
“What stood out to me most was the opportunity to meet people from across UAB that I would not have otherwise,” she shared. “You hear people’s names, and you know of them, but you don’t often get to spend meaningful time with them. This program created that space.”
For Keppley, the LDO program was more than just a leadership course; it was a room full of real-time insights and shared wisdom. The sessions gave her a chance to engage with peers from across the institution, many of whom brought years of experience and unique perspectives.
“I benefited from hearing how more seasoned peers would handle situations,” she said. “It shook up my sedentary way of thinking and gave me new tools to approach challenges. I had real ‘oh wow… that’s really smart’ moments.”
Keppley shares the insights and connections she gained through Institute for Leadership and how it reshaped her approach to leadership.
Building tangible skills
In addition to deepening her network and perspective, Keppley found that the Institute offered hands-on, practical value. She gained confidence in her communication and conflict resolution skills, something she’s already begun putting into action.
“The program gave me tangible management tools for change management and conflict resolution,” she explained. “While those aren’t things you ever hope to get a lot of practice with, the program helped me feel more equipped. Now, I have the confidence, language, and even the network to navigate difficult conversations.”
A career built on mentorship
Keppley’s path at UAB began in UAB Health System Marketing and Communications, where she worked under the mentorship of Maelynn Cheung, Assistant Vice President of Corporate Communications and Adrienne Steading, Assistant Vice President of Marketing, two leaders who set the tone for the kind of professional she hoped to become.
“With such strong female mentors early on, I was blessed to grow in that role and had the opportunity to be creative, which was incredible,” Keppley stated.
She went on to co-found two standout projects, including UAB MedCast and a podcast, Quick Notes for Coats, which became meaningful platforms for communication and connection. Eventually, she transitioned into the Department of Surgery, where she found a new network of support and opportunities to lead with mentors Herbert Chen, M.D., Chair of the Department of Surgery, and Mary McDougal, MBA, executive administrator.
From planning a visit from Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to even taking her turn cleaning out the office fridge, Keppley says she’s always been driven by the belief that every task matters and hard work pays off.
“I was able to make a difference, learn, and give back to UAB in a meaningful way,” she stated. “Whether the work was big or small, in the Department of Surgery, I felt it was truly valued.”
Today, Keppley serves as the Executive Administrator for the UAB Department of Urology, a position she began in February 2025. She says that her experience with LDO played a pivotal role in helping her prepare for and step into that position with confidence.
“The mentorship and connections I gained through LDO were instrumental,” she said. “I had one-on-one meetings with Dr. Jean Ann Larson and her team to talk about my strengths, areas for growth, and what it would take to get to the next level. The advising and support I felt from her team helped me take that next step.”
Advice for the next generation of leaders
Keppley is candid about her experience joining Cohort 7 of Institute for Leadership as one of the younger professionals in the room.
“I wish I was less intimidated going in,” she admitted. “But after a while, everyone settles in. For those early in your career, don’t let impostor syndrome hold you back. You are 100 percent meant to be sitting at that table. Take advantage.”
For anyone wary of overly structured social activities, she offers reassurance:
“If you’re like my husband and hate icebreakers and trust falls, don’t worry,” she said. “There’s not a ton of that. You jump right in with valuable content. You just need to come with an open mind. Be ready to let go of habits that no longer serve you and pick up better tools that will help you grow.”
From communications to clinical operations, Marissa Keppley has built a career at UAB defined by creative thinking, collaborative leadership, and continuous growth, strengthened by her experience with LDO.