Bridgett Willey

Dr. Bridgett Willey is the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the UW Health WorkForward and the founder and former director of Allied Health Education and Career Pathways at UW Health in Madison, Wisconsin. Dr. Willey also serves as adjunct clinical faculty at the UW–Madison School of Medicine and Public Health. She established the Health Occupations and Professions Exploration (HOPE) Program in 2013, which engages high school and college students in exploring healthcare careers through mentorship, internships, and apprenticeships and has served over 6500 students to date. At UW Health, Dr. Willey has led the design and implementation of innovative education and workforce pathways, including the nation’s first Registered Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Surgical Technology apprenticeships, which award both college degrees and transferable credentials. Recognized nationally as an expert in healthcare workforce development and apprenticeship, she frequently shares her expertise with diverse audiences across the country. In addition to her leadership at UW Health, Dr. Willey contributes to numerous regional, state, and national committees focused on strengthening connections between education, workforce development, and scalable apprenticeship opportunities. Her work continues to expand equitable access to healthcare careers while addressing critical frontline workforce needs.