After three years as chair, Joanne Pokaski, senior director of workforce development and community relations at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, is stepping down from the CareerSTAT Executive Committee. Under her strategic leadership, the network grew by more than 60%, developed the Resource Center, and launched the first cohort of the Healthcare Workforce Development Academy. As a founding member of the committee, Joanne conceived the idea of building a CareerSTAT employer recognition program and worked with Joyce McDanel to design and launch it. It is with deep appreciation and gratitude that we thank Joanne for her guidance and dedication to CareerSTAT.
We are thrilled to announce that Joyce will succeed her as chair. Currently vice president of human resources and education at UnityPoint – Des Moines, Joyce brings more than 30 years of healthcare leadership experience and a wealth of expertise and strategic vision to the position. In her previous role as vice chair, Joyce managed the CareerSTAT Recognition Committee. We are grateful for her service and eager to continue to grow the network and activate more employers to invest in frontline workers under her leadership.
In addition, Gerard Camacho, assistant vice president of workforce development at Atrium Health, will assume the role of vice chair. As a participant in the first cohort of the Healthcare Workforce Development Academy, Gerard played an integral role in advancing his previous employer, Parkland Health & Hospital System, from emerging champion to champion-level recognition.
The CareerSTAT Executive Committee is comprised of healthcare leaders who have demonstrated experience in supporting frontline healthcare workers and who champion the network’s mission and guiding values. These transitions are effective April 1 and mark a planned leadership transition on the Executive Committee.