**The big picture:** Phoenix Children's has named Wanda Shoer as its new Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective November 2, 2026. **Why it matters:** Shoer's appointment signals a strategic focus on talent acquisition, employee development, and organizational effectiveness within the growing pediatric health system. **Between the lines:** - Shoer brings over 25 years of global experience from Sanofi and Johnson & Johnson. - Her role will involve creating transparent career pathways, strengthening leadership development, and enhancing employee engagement. - She will also leverage her expertise in technology and AI-enabled workforce solutions. **Staffing & HR impact:** This executive hire underscores the critical need for robust talent strategies in healthcare, impacting recruiter mobility and the overall employee value proposition. Shoer's focus on career pathways and leadership development could serve as a model for other large organizations. **The bottom line:** Phoenix Children's is investing in a seasoned HR leader to navigate workforce growth and foster a strong talent pipeline in a competitive healthcare landscape.

**The big picture:** Velva Dawson has been appointed CEO of the Central Jersey Family Health Consortium (CJFHC), marking her return to the organization after nearly a decade at Johnson & Johnson. **Why it matters:** This leadership transition highlights the movement of executive talent between corporate and non-profit sectors, bringing diverse strategic and operational expertise to critical public health initiatives. **Between the lines:** - Dawson previously held leadership roles at CJFHC, including deputy director and chief operations officer. - Her tenure at Johnson & Johnson focused on foundation and corporate operations within Global Health Equity. - She succeeds Robyn D’Oria, who is retiring after advancing national maternal mortality prevention efforts. **Staffing & HR impact:** This executive move demonstrates the mobility of high-level talent, with leaders transitioning from large corporations to non-profit leadership, potentially influencing talent acquisition strategies for specialized roles. It also underscores the value of diverse sector experience in driving organizational impact. **The bottom line:** Dawson's return signals a renewed focus on strengthening community health partnerships and expanding resources in maternal and child health.