Spotlight On Unsung Hero Kelly Allerton

Kelly Allerton is this quarter's Unsung Hero. She is an 15-year veteran of the LSU Department of Pediatrics who began as the Fellowship Program Coordinator and today serves as the Assistant Business Manager. In this role, she manages all personnel-related matters, including recruitment, onboarding, and promotions. She also assists with supervising the 10 pediatric residency and fellowship programs.

Dr. Raymond Watts, Professor Emeritus and recently retired Head of the Department of Pediatrics, describes Kelly as “the epitome of what we all aspire to become - the consummate professional who daily commits herself to excellence in all aspects of her job, commitment to continuous self-improvement, and as a colleague who strives to make all around her better.”

Dr. Watts says that when he assumed leadership of the department in late 2015, the department boasted of an administrative staff with more than 125 years of experience. Although that was ideal in some ways, it also meant there were many looming retirements and the loss of that expertise on the horizon.

Dr. Watts describes Allerton as key to the entire process of transitioning through the retirements and new hires and increasing responsibilities. “Kelly has taken on each new challenge with energy, excellence, cheerfulness, and innovation. Ms. Allerton allowed a transformation of the Department of Pediatrics administrative staff that included a decrease in staff from 12 in 2016 to eight in 2022 without a loss of productivity or excellence,” he added. 

Dr. Brian Barkemeyer, Section Head of Neonatology and Vice Chairman of Clinical Services, echoes Dr. Watt's assessment, adding, “At a time of much administrative transition in our department, she's been the glue to hold things together.”

Allerton says the people she gets to work with are the best part of her job. “The pediatrics administrative team, faculty, and house officers have always provided me with a kind, supportive, and inspiring environment. As a member of the administrative staff, it's tough to discover the impact I make on the world, but I always end up finding it in the physicians I support,” she said. “I hope that by alleviating some stress in their administrative world, that in turn they have more energy to devote to their excellent care of patients at Children's Hospital.”

Dr. Bonnie Desselle, Interim Department Head and Vice Chair of Education, says, “Kelly has garnered the highest respect by all faculty members due to her utmost professionalism in every encounter. Even with tasks that she may not be familiar, she will tackle it with an open mind and willingness to learn. Her calm and level-headed approach to stressful situations results in best possible resolutions. I believe one of the main reasons that the Department of Pediatrics has been able to easily recruit and retain our administrative staff is due to Kelly.”

Dr. Barkemeyer further describes Allerton as, “capable, adaptable, reliable and, most importantly, available for any task, large or small,” adding, “She sees the big picture but also takes care of the little details.”  

Allerton says her life outside of work revolves around her family, including her husband, Tim, and two boys, Harry and Finn. “I enjoy watching my kids grow and keeping up with their many activities; and I try to get in some hobbies of my own like running and learning how to cook.”

Allerton's work demonstrates her commitment to providing excellence in education, research, patient care and community outreach. Thank you, Kelly!