logo
Melonie R. Jackson named Chief People Officer at Baystate Health

Melonie R. Jackson named Chief People Officer at Baystate Health

Yahoo03-04-2025

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Baystate Health has announced the appointment of Melonie R. Jackson as its new Chief People Officer (CPO).
Jackson will be responsible for shaping the organization's human resources strategy with a focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top healthcare talent.
In her new role, Jackson will oversee leadership development, talent acquisition, employee engagement, workforce wellness, and labor relations. She will also play a central role in promoting a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement throughout Baystate Health, one of the largest employers and healthcare providers in western Massachusetts.
Springfield opens new downtown parking garage with over 800 spaces
'Melonie's dynamic leadership and commitment to innovation in human resources will be invaluable as we work to build a clinically driven, physician-led health system,' said Dean Sanpei, Baystate Health's Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. 'Her experience in leading HR within large, integrated health systems and health plans will further strengthen our ability to serve our caregivers and help drive future growth.'
Jackson joins Baystate Health with more than two decades of experience in human resources across healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where she oversaw HR strategy for nine hospitals across Pennsylvania and New York. There, she led several initiatives that transformed workforce operations, improved employee engagement, and strengthened organizational culture.
Her previous leadership experience includes roles at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health System), Capital One, Methodist Health System, and Regions Bank. Jackson's background in workforce analytics and strategic planning is expected to bolster Baystate Health's ongoing efforts to be a premier destination for healthcare professionals.
Jackson earned her Bachelor of Arts from Southeast Missouri State University and an MBA from Texas Woman's University. She also holds a certificate in Executive Compensation from the Wharton Executive Education program at the University of Pennsylvania.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Study from Pittsburgh researchers detects invisible diabetic wounds
Study from Pittsburgh researchers detects invisible diabetic wounds

CBS News

time31 minutes ago

  • CBS News

Study from Pittsburgh researchers detects invisible diabetic wounds

Diabetic foot ulcers are a common and major complication for people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes that can lead to amputation and even death. When it comes to healing these ulcers, looks can be deceiving. But a new study published by University of Pittsburgh researchers is offering solutions. One of the lead authors told KDKA that what they found could change the definition of wound closure and save lives. Pitt study could change how wound closure is defined Jim Bennett, a retired Franklin Park Borough police officer, developed diabetes in his 40s and started getting diabetic foot ulcers. These wounds have high rates of recurrence. "It does take away from your quality of what you want to do, not really your quality of life, just something ot deal with," Bennett said. He eventually had several surgeries to amputate six of his toes, including all of them on his left foot. "I could not continue working because I couldn't wear the uniform shoes, so I had to retire eight months earlier than I had planned," he said. Bennett's 40-year career in the Franklin Park police force ended in 2014. Now, the 73-year-old said he goes to the wound clinic at UPMC Passavant once a week. "There are some open wounds that appeared at the bottom of my foot, and that's what's taking so long to heal right now. It starts to close up, then it opens up. And then another infection comes along and starts all over again," Bennett said. Because of the on-again, off-again wounds and the special boots he has to wear, there are a lot of things Bennett enjoys doing that he can't anymore. "I've always been pretty active, and I like to do things outside at the home and do things that you can't do anymore. I am hoping when I get out of these boots to be able to do those things again, some of them," said Bennett. Dr. Chandan Sen, director of the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh, calls diabetic foot ulcers "invisible wounds." Sen is also a professor in the Department of Surgery at Pitt and the chief scientific officer of Wound Healing Services at UPMC. He said the diabetic ulcers may appear healed and meet the FDA's definition of wound closure, which is when it's covered by new skin and has not had any discharge for two weeks. "That definition does not consider the functionality of the skin that just grew back," Sen said. In a new study with nearly 400 participants, Dr. Sen and his team show it's possible to detect invisible wounds by measuring water loss with a handheld device. "When we place the pen-like device, it gives us how much water is the body leaking," he said. "Using this device, you can test the functionality in a matter of five to 10 minutes know whether the skin that is covering the wound is properly functioning or now that we know which wounds are more likely recurr, we need additional care for them so that they stay closed," Dr. Sen added. He said these findings show the Food and Drug Administration's definition of wound closure needs to be updated. "Because it is not sufficient to close the wound with the skin, you also need to restore barrier function. That aspect is missing in today's definition of wound closure. This study and studies after this hopefully will go on to make a policy change in how wound closure is defined going forward. And that's a significant contribution to overall care of wounds clinically," Dr. Sen said. "The goal is to keep on going until we have no amputation," he added. If you have diabetes and find an ulcer on your foot, even if it's a tiny wound, seek help and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Holyoke Medical Center recognized for equitable care efforts
Holyoke Medical Center recognized for equitable care efforts

Yahoo

time10 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Holyoke Medical Center recognized for equitable care efforts

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Holyoke Medical Center, located on Beech Street, has achieved a health care equity certification. Easthampton aims to enhance transparency with new public records management Holyoke Medical Center was awarded the Joint Commission's Health Care Equity Certification for excellence in its efforts to provide equitable care, treatment, and services. The center demonstrated that it has established processes to decrease health care disparities within its patient populations. The center underwent an onsite review on May 13th, and during the visit, The Joint Commission evaluated compliance with certification standards under the following terms: Leadership Collaboration Data collection Provision of care Performance improvement Another way Holyoke Medical Center is improving health equity is by collecting data from patients and offering additional screening tools, which gives them a better understanding of the patient population, as well as insights to improve patient care, enhance treatment protocols, and provide education to specific populations. 'Holyoke Medical Center is proud to be recognized for its efforts to provide equitable health care to everyone,' said Spiros Hatiras, President and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems. 'This certification is a testament to our team members who provide high quality, compassionate care to all of our patients, every day.' 'Providing equitable health care and reducing barriers to care is not new to Holyoke Medical Center,' added Sr. Vice President and Chief Quality Officer Avadhoot Gokhale. 'We have a specific Health Equity Strategic Plan to guide our organization in addressing the needs of our community. These initiatives have been ongoing for years and are identified in our Community Health Needs Assessments including free transportation to health care services, access to nutritious food, access to health insurance, workforce development, and a myriad of other services.' 'Health Care Equity Certification distinguishes those organizations that have made health care equity a strategic priority and those that collaborate with patients, families, caregivers and external organizations to help translate equitable health care into better health outcomes,' says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing officer, The Joint Commission. 'We commend Holyoke Medical Center for using The Joint Commission's certification process to promote that all its patient populations receive access to equitable care, treatment and services.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

American Medical Association rejects proposal for assisted suicide in Mass.
American Medical Association rejects proposal for assisted suicide in Mass.

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

American Medical Association rejects proposal for assisted suicide in Mass.

WALPOLE, Mass. (WWLP) – The American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates has declared that it does not support 'assisted death' in U.S. healthcare. The statement was shared at the association's most recent annual meeting. The AMA is the nation's largest organization representing physicians' unified voices. Committee not yet ready to act on assisted suicide proposal The association said that physician-assisted suicide goes against the physician's role as a healer and could pose serious societal risks. Assisted death has been a controversial topic among healthcare experts for decades. A report from the 2025 AMA Board of Trustees states, 'the profession of medicine should not support the legalization or practice of physician assisted suicide or see it as part of a physician's role.' The Massachusetts state legislature is currently reviewing Bill S.1486, also known as 'An Act relative to end of life options.' If this bill is passed, some physician-assisted suicide options would be legalized in the state. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store