Jennifer Clinedinst, MSJ, RHIA, CDIP, CCS

Biography

Jennifer Clinedinst, MSJ, RHIA, CDIP, CCS, is a Health Information Management (HIM) executive with more than 20 years of progressive leadership experience across acute care, behavioral health, and academic settings. She currently serves as Director of Health Information Management at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, where she oversees HIM operations with a focus on regulatory compliance, documentation integrity, data governance, and operational excellence.

Jennifer holds a Master of Jurisprudence (MSJ) in Health Care Law from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from Kean University. She maintains Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner (CDIP), and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials, reflecting deep expertise in health information governance, coding, clinical documentation integrity, and healthcare compliance.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has held leadership positions at several healthcare organizations, including Carrier Clinic, Somerset Medical Center, and RWJ Rahway Hospital. As Director of Health Information Management and Medical Staff Practice Administrator at Carrier Clinic, she oversaw HIM operations and medical staff credentialing within a psychiatric behavioral health and substance abuse treatment environment. She has also served as a key resource in multiple electronic medical record implementations across both psychiatric and acute care settings.

In addition to her operational leadership, Jennifer has contributed extensively to HIM education as an adjunct instructor for Rutgers University, Rowan College, Caldwell University, and DeVry University.  She has taught courses in Electronic Medical Records, Legal Medical Records, and Reimbursement Methodologies, bringing both academic insight and real-world expertise to future HIM professionals.

Known for her collaborative leadership style, strategic perspective, and professional integrity, Jennifer is recognized for balancing operational realities with long-term governance and compliance priorities. She is a Past President of the New Jersey Health Information Management Association and remains committed to advancing the HIM profession through leadership, mentorship, and service.

Position Statement

Explain how your professional skills, abilities, and strengths complement the CCHIIM mission? 

Throughout my career, in roles such as Director of Health Information Management, HIPAA Privacy Officer, and Adjunct Professor, I have seen such growth and change in the industry.  I can offer visionary leadership with hands on experience.  HIM professionals must be recognized for the expertise we can offer in this fast-changing future.  I have supported CCHIIM's mission by mentoring students and a workforce in many of my roles, and I support AHIMA's credentials and certifications for their growth and education.  I am excited and committed to listening and collaborating with this board.