Dedication to technical excellence and collaborative leadership has defined the professional path of Stacian A. Reynolds, MHA, MLS(ASCP)CM. Born in Manchester, she has established a significant presence within Emory Healthcare, serving as associate director of laboratory services at Emory University Hospital. Over the course of more than eighteen years with the organization, she has established a reputation for guiding complex operations with precision while fostering an environment that supports professional growth and high-quality patient care.
Ms. Reynolds’ academic foundation provided the structure on which her career would flourish. She earned a Master of Health Administration with a concentration in leadership from Capella University in Minneapolis. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in medical technology from Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica. She credits these accomplishments, along with the direction of exceptional mentors, for shaping her approach to leadership, organizational management and laboratory operations. This educational path helped prepare her for the multifaceted responsibilities she would later assume as she advanced through the field.
Within Emory University Hospital, Ms. Reynolds has played a central role in enhancing laboratory performance, expanding capabilities, and supporting the next generation of medical laboratory scientists. She is recognized for her ability to integrate operational demands with the human elements of coaching and mentorship, ensuring that laboratory staff receive the necessary support to excel. Her leadership promotes an environment where accuracy, safety, and professional integrity remain constant priorities.
One of the defining moments of her career emerged during the COVID-19 crisis, when laboratory teams across the nation faced unprecedented challenges. Ms. Reynolds collaborated closely with Emory University, the chief medical officer of Emory Healthcare, the immunology laboratory technical specialist, and a university research associate to validate essential assays. She secured critical equipment necessary to automate processes and translated research findings into practical clinical applications. This work enabled the department’s successful launch of antibody testing, a service that provided crucial insights during a period of widespread uncertainty. The initiative showed her ability to guide high-stakes projects, adapt quickly to evolving circumstances, and support patient-centered innovation.
Ms. Reynolds has also held a series of progressive roles within Emory Healthcare, which have strengthened her expertise in laboratory operations, personnel development, and cross-departmental collaboration. Throughout her tenure, she has been sought after for her guidance, particularly by medical laboratory scientists who view her as a steady source of knowledge, encouragement, and accountability. Her emphasis on mentorship reflects her belief that cultivating strong leaders creates lasting benefits for patients, professionals, and the broader organization.
Ms. Reynolds’ commitment to the profession extends to active involvement in several industry organizations. She holds membership with the American Society for Clinical Pathology, participates in the Atlanta Chapter of the Northern Caribbean University Alumni Association, and has been a long-time member of Alpha Eta Society, the national honor society for the allied health professions. These affiliations allow her to stay engaged with emerging trends, advocate for professional excellence, and remain connected to a broader community of laboratory and healthcare leaders.
Service beyond the workplace is another defining element of Ms. Reynolds’ life. She donates her time to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, supporting efforts to address food insecurity and assist families in need. She has also been honored through induction into the National Honor Society by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, recognition that reflects her longstanding commitment to academic achievement and community involvement.
Outside her professional responsibilities, Ms. Reynolds enjoys pursuits that offer balance and connection. She spends her time listening to music, singing, volunteering and cooking. She is also devoted to her family and takes pride in her role as a mother to two daughters whose accomplishments continue to inspire her.
Looking ahead, Ms. Reynolds plans to pursue a laboratory management certification through the American Society for Clinical Pathology and enroll in the doctoral healthcare administration program at Capella University. Her goals include advancing within Emory Healthcare and contributing to organizational initiatives that strengthen patient care, operational excellence, and leadership development.