Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Professional Experience
Joan joined the executive staff of Ochsner Clinic Foundation in 2000 as VP Human Resources. Her primary responsibilities include directing all the human resources functions for the organization and the development of the OHS human resources philosophy, strategies and policies on compensation and employee benefits, recruitment and retention, employee relations, organizational development and training, employee health and wellness initiatives and physician services. Under her leadership the division of human resources was redesigned in a high performing service model, which allows optimum service to the internal and external customers of Ochsner.
Some of the key strategic programs and initiatives include: HR automation of recruitment, retention and human resources information systems for over 12,000 employees and 50,000 candidates each year; the Ochsner Learning Institute which provides employee and leader development and education to all employees; “Pathway to Wellness” which engages employees in health and wellness programs; the “Spirit of Ochsner,” a comprehensive employee and leader reward and recognition program; and survey management of employee morale, customer service and physician engagement. Ochsner has integrated 8 hospitals in the system, and Joan has led the people strategies, culture development and HR leadership teams. Over the last few years, Ochsner has been recognized nationally and locally as a premier employer.
Since 2005, CityBusiness magazine has recognized Ochsner as one of the “Best Places to Work” in New Orleans and in 2006 and 2007, the #1 “Best Place to Work”. Ochsner has also been selected for the past seven years by AARP as one of the Top 50 employers in the country for older workers. The American Society of Training and Development recognized the Ochsner Learning Center with the national BEST award for employee education and the VHA awarded their prestigious National Leadership Award for exceptional leadership performance evaluation and operating processes. Joan received a BS degree from the University of North Alabama and attended the executive management institutes of the University of Wisconsin and University of Chicago. She holds two lifetime certifications: the Certified Personnel Consultant and Senior Professional in Human Resources.
Joan has over 25 years experience in human resources management working for a Fortune 500 Company, a private law firm, and as a woman business owner. In 2006, she was recognized as one of the top 50 Women of the Year in New Orleans. Professionally, she has been a member of Bureau of National Affair’s Personnel Policy Forum since 1999, is an active member of the Women’s Healthcare Executive Network, Society for Human Resource Management, American College of Healthcare Executives, American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration, and has been a member HRMA in New Orleans for over 25 years. In the January 2006 issue of HR Magazine, the Ochsner HR team was featured in an article about their work following Hurricane Katrina. She is a frequent speaker at national conferences, forums and meetings.
Personal Information
Staying active in the community is important as she has served the Girl Scout Board of Directors for over 15 years (currently on the Finance Committee); The Women’s Leadership Initiative of United Way, Louisiana Workforce Commission, Board member of GNO, Inc. and a past member of the New Orleans Workforce Investment Board. She was the Chairman of the Jefferson Chamber Board of Directors in 2008. She has recently been nominated as one of the Most Powerful & Influential Women in Louisiana by the National Diversity Council at their 2010 LA Women's Conference. Joan and her husband, Bob, and two children have lived in New Orleans for almost 30 years.
