Inforum's WM HealthcareNEXT Event

Why Now is a Good Time for a Healthcare Career – Whether You’re Moving Up or Moving In

As healthcare continues to evolve, so do the opportunities available for potential employees – whether you’re currently working in healthcare or another industry. In this session, we will explore the variety of roles available from direct patient care to research to communications. Learn from panelists who are advancing from within or have made a change to work in a healthcare field and how they transferred skills. We will also learn how the industry is evolving to compete for talent.

Panel 

Caroline Kelly

Caroline Kelly is a Design Research Lead at Ascension, one of the largest non-profit healthcare systems in the United States. As a member of the in-house, interdisciplinary Ascension Studio she uses human-centered design methods to help create seamless, end-to-end healthcare and consumer experiences through a cohesive ecosystem of well-designed, user-friendly applications, products, and services. Prior to Ascension, Caroline was the Global Lead for UX Research and Market Insights at Steelcase, a global leader in office furniture, interior architecture and space solutions for workplaces, home offices, health and learning spaces. Much of her 17 year career there was focused on healthcare environments, where her research contributed to award-winning products and user-centered solutions in partnership with leading healthcare organizations.

Gretchen Murphy

Gretchen Murphy is an HR Consultant at Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Cherry Health removes barriers, expands access and provides comprehensive, quality healthcare services for everyone. With 25 years of HR experience, Gretchen is a mission-oriented leader passionate about fostering strong relationships and promoting a prosperous environment for personal and professional growth. She cultivates a people-centered culture by steering HR strategy and initiatives and drives work experience improvements so that Cherry Health’s providers and staff can deliver high-quality, person-centered care to make our communities healthier.

Before Cherry Health, Gretchen was the Chief Human Resources Officer for Service Express, Inc., and previously held lead HR roles at BDO USA, Mercantile Bank and Fifth Third Bank. Gretchen serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA of West Michigan and participates in other community and professional service organizations. She is also an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman School of Business.

Erin Sullivan

Erin Sullivan is vice president of marketing and consumer experience at Priority Health. She is responsible for developing and enhancing a customer-centered experience through predictive analytics and strategic marketing decisions. Her areas of expertise include brand management and team development.  Sullivan returns to Priority Health where she previously served as vice president, marketing and communications from 2018 to 2020. Prior to Priority Health, Sullivan began her career on Capitol Hill in Washington DC and then as a reporter before receiving her graduate degree. She then worked for Mattel managing global brands like Hot Wheels, Fisher Price, Batman and Pictionary for more than 15 years. During this time, she gained a strong foundation in brand and marketing principles, the importance of driving results, and a passion for building positive, high-performing team culture. 

Moderator
Maranda For 35 years Maranda has been an advocate and friend to West Michigan kids and families. Using a multi-media platform, Maranda provides a combination of on-air, on-line and community events that bring families, resources and corporations together to impact the greater good.  Maranda’s career began in radio in Grand Rapids in 1985.  She hosted a morning radio show on WTKG, a unique children’s radio station in the market.  Today, Maranda is the WOOD TV 8 and WOTV 4 Women kids and family expert. She hosts a daily segment, “Where You Live” which features a combination of information, inspiration and insights for West Michigan parents. It’s taped around West Michigan and is about real family life.  Maranda has also created Maranda’s Beautiful U, a youth empowerment event for middle school girls, Kids Skate 4 Free in both Grand Rapids and Battle Creek and Maranda’s Summer Reading Club involving over 65,000 young readers working with 85 libraries throughout Western Michigan.

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Tuesday, May 23
Time: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Place: University of Michigan Health-West Conference Center, 2225 S Main St, Wyoming, MI 49519
Tickets: $25 members, $35 nonmembers (guests)
Wish to attend virtually? Click here.

Parking: Parking lot attached to the building

CI Gratis tickets may be used for this event

Wish to attend virtually? Click here.

Thank you to our sponsors!

Statewide sponsor:

Supporting sponsor:

Momentum Mentor sponsor:

Event Host:

HealthcareNEXT is for Inforum members who want to stay ahead of health care’s next curve, trend, opportunity or insight. The group is focused on sharing knowledge, increasing understanding of key health care issues, and offering unique professional development and relationship-building opportunities for health care providers and health plans, the payer community, educators, consultants, attorneys and other experts who routinely work in health care.