Jennifer Grove
Vice President of External Relations (Retired), Baptist Health Care
Jennifer Grove has served the communities of Northwest Florida for over 30 years, most recently as vice president of external relations at Baptist Health Care. Before retiring in July 2024, Grove provided leadership for corporate marketing, government relations, the Baptist Health Care Foundation, faith and community health programs, and programs that engage thousands of Baptist team members in community impact efforts. Before joining Baptist in 2019, Grove led workforce development and community relations for Gulf Power and The Southern Company for 25 years.
Through long-term service on state, regional, and local boards, Grove has helped bring resources to Northwest Florida communities. She is passionate about workforce development and education as a pathway to prosperity and believes that by bringing talent, networks, and resources together, everyone’s quality of life can be lifted.
In retirement, Grove hopes to travel with her husband, Ray, spend time with family, and foster Drift-JenG, her coastal-inspired jewelry, painting, and interior design passion.
How do you define success?
Success is about living out my guiding principles of being inclusive, supportive of all, trustworthy and vulnerable, and impactful on those in my life. I’ve also learned that the definition of success is not static, so how we best contribute can’t be either.
What motivates you?
I am motivated by a deep desire to help others see the potential they have and to help build pathways to prosperity and well-being for all.
What lessons have you learned along the way that have improved your professional life?
Be open to opportunities, even if they sound crazy. Fear and excitement feel the same way in your tummy—having that feeling is when we grow. Listen to others about how they see you, your talents, your purpose, and your impact. Don’t put your career plan on a vision board. Let it evolve over time.
What are you passionate about outside the workplace?
In this first phase of my retirement, I am leaning into my passion for creating. I have long designed jewelry, interior spaces, and painted, but I have always had to fit time for that around my career and family.
What advice do you wish you’d been given before entering your industry?
Don’t get hung up on a defined career ladder or role. Sometimes you have to search for the elements of your life that help you connect to or grow your purpose—and it may not be your job at all.
Videography by Boo Media.
