Spotlight on Excellence: Kelsey Zimmerman, National Accounts Manager

At BrightStar Care of Northern Michigan, our team members each bring something unique to the table. Today, we’re excited to highlight Kelsey Zimmerman, whose passion for both people and process helps keep our operations running smoothly behind the scenes.

Kelsey shares her life with her husband, Jay, and their two dogs—Mia, a Golden Retriever, and Harry, a Great Pyrenees. When she’s not working, she stays active as a group fitness instructor, teaching Silver Sneakers classes multiple times each week. She and her husband also share a love for travel and are always planning their next adventure. Whether it’s a big international trip or a long weekend getaway within driving distance, they prioritize exploring new places together. Over the years, their travels have taken them to Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Punta Cana, and even sailing through the British Virgin Islands.

In her role as National Accounts Manager, Kelsey plays an important part in ensuring seamless care delivery. She works closely with Kari, the Director of Infusion Services to review and manage referrals from national accounts—partnerships established through BrightStar’s corporate network. In addition, she manages payroll for nurses and oversees key aspects of skilled-care billing, helping ensure both staff and systems are supported effectively.

While Kelsey doesn’t work directly with clients, she finds deep fulfillment in being part of an organization that provides high-quality, in-home care. She especially values the dedication of BrightStar’s infusion nurses, who go above and beyond to deliver skilled care while prioritizing patient comfort. She appreciates that receiving care at home allows individuals facing chronic illness to maintain a greater sense of independence and freedom.

Kelsey’s journey has taken her across several states. Born in central Illinois, she moved to Wisconsin at age 10 and later to Petoskey, Michigan, during high school. She attended the University of Dayton in Ohio, where she met her husband. After graduating, she spent time back in Michigan before eventually settling in the Cincinnati area. Still, Northern Michigan holds a special place in her heart, and she hopes to return there permanently someday.

Outside of work, Kelsey has a creative and festive side that surprises many people—she loves decorating her home for holidays. Her favorites include St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween, and Christmas. She even has a collection of holiday-themed dog portraits that she rotates throughout the year to match the season.

When it comes to guiding principles, Kelsey reflects on a piece of wisdom passed down from her parents: the Golden Rule—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12, NIV). She believes this simple yet powerful message is a foundation for living a full, compassionate, and meaningful life.