People on the Move is a rundown of recent hirings, promotions, appointments and other notable movements by professionals in the state. If you’re interested in submitting an entry, please contact news@delawarebusinesstimes.com.
Artisans’ Bank named Julia McDerby to senior vice president, chief human resources officer. In her position, McDerby is responsible for the Human Resources Division which encompasses talent acquisition and development, benefits and payroll administration, HR technology, employee relations, and culture and inclusion.
McDerby joined Artisans’ Bank as a relationship banker in 2005 and was promoted to branch manager in 2007, where she provided best-in-class customer service and team leadership within the Retail Administration Division. In 2015, McDerby transitioned her career to human resources management, becoming vice president and human resources director in 2018. Since joining the HR Division, McDerby has excelled in modernizing HR functions and systems, reviewing employment benefits and practices, and navigating the employment landscape.
“Julia continues to prove herself as a leader. Her critical thinking skills and actions, knowledge of operations, experience in human resources management, and genuine commitment to advancing an environment where Artisans’ Associates succeed make her a critical member of the senior leadership team. We look forward to the continued positive impact Julia will make on our organization and our valued Associates,” Beth Albano, president and CEO of Artisans’ Bank, said.
McDerby holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Delaware. She is a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and maintains her SHRM Certified Professional designation. McDerby was recently elected to serve on the Board of Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County, with her term commencing in September. In 2019, McDerby was recognized with the HR Emerging Leader Award by the Delaware Business Times and Delaware SHRM. She resides in Wilmington, Delaware, with her husband and 2 children.
Beebe Healthcare has appointed Ryan Kennedy, CPA, as its new chief financial officer. Additionally, Kelly Felix, PA-C, and Pamela Blondin, AG-ACNP-BC, have joined its Cardiovascular team.
Kennedy is an experienced healthcare executive with more than a decade of leadership in finance. Most recently, he spent the last 10 years in a CFO role at Holy Name Health System, a 361-bed acute care facility that includes many outpatient offices and physician practices in northern New Jersey.
“Ryan’s healthcare financial acumen shined during our search for a new CFO,” David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare, said. “His expertise and experience in joint partnerships and value-based care in a community health setting will play a critical role in Beebe’s continued strategic transformation to better serve the people of Sussex County. He joins a dedicated and seasoned team committed to our wonderful community.”
At Holy Name Health, Kennedy led all financial aspects of the organization, while also launching successful growth and expansion initiatives to drive revenue, grow strategic partnerships, and lower healthcare costs through value-based care programs.
Kennedy’s more than 20-year healthcare financial career began shortly after receiving his MBA in Accounting from Rutgers University, where he also received a degree in Economics. He has served on two Board of Trustees and holds multiple professional affiliations.
“Beebe Healthcare really stood out to me as an amazing opportunity, and its culture, leadership, and community drew me to Sussex County,” Kennedy said. “Dr. Tam’s vision for Beebe includes tremendous growth to be able to care for this growing community. I look forward to bringing my expertise to the Beebe leadership team and helping our health system grow to serve my family’s new home in Sussex County.”
Kennedy and his wife of 20-plus years, Katie, are very proud parents to two children who are in college at Clemson and Arcadia and going into finance and medicine, respectively.
Blondin, is a nurse practitioner who has joined Beebe’s vascular surgery team. She works closely with surgeons and other members of the clinical care team to manage complex cardiovascular conditions while also making it a priority to educate patients on disease prevention and the importance of overall health and wellness to ensure strong heart health.
Blondin returns to Beebe, earlier in her career, she worked for the healthcare system earlier in her career as a nurse in the intensive care unit. Most recently, she worked at Clinic by the Sea Cardiology. Blondin is a graduate of the Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare and completed her Master of Science in Nursing at Walden University.
“I was born at Beebe and raised in Sussex County, so I feel a lot of pride in knowing that I am now using my clinical background and education to take care of a community that I am personally vested in, and that I truly care about,” Blondin said. “Cardiovascular services are growing rapidly at Beebe, and I am proud to be part of this team.”
Felix is a physician assistant in the hospital’s Cardiac Catheterization Lab. She collaborates with physicians and other clinical care providers to assure the highest level of quality care for patients undergoing complex, lifesaving procedures. Felix is committed to optimizing both clinical outcomes and the patient experience, while also making patient education a key priority in her day-to-day work.
Same as Blondin, Felix is returning to Beebe. Earlier in her career, she worked as a medical oncology physician assistant at Beebe’s Tunnell Cancer Center, and as a physician assistant for the hospital’s cardiac surgery team. Additionally, in the span of her career, Felix has worked for Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, and Montefiore Medical Center.
Felix is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, where she earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies, and of the University of Sciences, where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. She is licensed as a physician assistant professional in the state of Delaware and is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
“I am so happy to be back at Beebe, now armed with experience and the skills I need to make a positive difference for so many patients,” Felix said. “I am able to touch patients, make sure they are as comfortable as possible, and help them in a way that can change and even save their lives. It’s an important job and one I am grateful to have.”
The American Heart Association announced Dr. Kirk Garratt, medical director for ChristianaCare’s Center for Heart and Vascular Health, as the 2024 Wilmington Heart Walk Chair.
The Heart Walk raises critical funds for the life-saving work of the American Heart Association, whose mission is to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. Heart Walk participants have the opportunity to catalyze real change in the fight against the nation’s No 1. and No 5. killers, heart disease and stroke.
“Every person deserves the opportunity for a full, healthy life,” Dr. Garratt said. “As champions for health equity, the American Heart Association works to advance cardiovascular health for all, including identifying and removing barriers to health care access and quality.”
As chair, Dr. Garratt will lead a team of local executives to recruit companies and organizations to participate in the Heart Walk. Through this initiative, the leadership team and supporting organizations will raise funds for the American Heart Association while leading action-oriented conversations about employee health, corporate engagement, community health and community transformation.
“We are indeed honored to have Dr. Garratt leading this critical campaign for our mission during our Centennial year, as the American Heart Association celebrates 100 years of impact in 2024 – and as we look ahead to the future of our lifesaving work,” said Shabool Henry, American Heart Association Delaware executive director. “During the Heart Walk campaign, we can drive significant impact through employee engagement and corporate support of our mission.”
Throughout 2024, the Association celebrates 100 years of scientific discovery and innovation. With bold hearts, the American Heart Association’s volunteers, supporters and staff forge ahead into the organization’s second century.
“As a cardiologist, I speak for us all when I say the American Heart Association is an organization we trust. And for decades has been advancing prevention and scientific research, and transformational treatment and discoveries,” said Dr. Garratt.
The Kendal Corporation, not-for-profit provider of senior living communities, announced Craig Witz as the interim vice president of the Development and Operations Resource Group. In this role, Witz will leverage his extensive experience in senior living development to further enhance the professional assistance and guidance provided to Kendal Affiliates and The Kendal Corporation.
Witz brings a wealth of experience to Kendal. Before joining Kendal, he founded Witz Company, which offers master planning and development project management services to senior living providers across the nation. With thirty years of experience under his belt, Witz has been instrumental in the development of over $750 million in senior living communities in the past decade alone. His expertise covers a wide range of areas, including master planning, intergenerational design, and placemaking. He is currently leading the Intergenerational Task Force, a collaboration of SAGE, AIA DFA and the Center for Health Design. He is also a frequent speaker at LeadingAge, Environment for Aging and other senior living and services venues
“Craig’s extensive background and proven track record make him an invaluable asset to our team,” Vassar Byrd, CEO of The Kendal Corporation, said. “We are confident that his leadership will drive process improvements and model practices within the Development & Operations Resource Group and throughout the Kendal System.”
Kent-Sussex Industries, Inc. (KSI), a non-profit vocational rehabilitation organization, announced Vice President of Finance & Technology Jim Greenwell with a retirement ice cream social which included KSI staff and program participants. Greenwell started his career with KSI in 2010 as Comptroller after having retired from DuPont where he first learned about KSI through a community-based work crew at the Seaford DuPont location.
Greenwell is credited for guiding KSI through many organizational challenges including the COVID pandemic and leadership changes. Serving as Interim CEO for ten months, Greenwell took charge to keep KSI not only afloat, but thriving. It was during this time that KSI grew to include a facility in Georgetown and also acquired Kamp Lenape in Felton. KSI CEO Heath Chasanov said, “Jim allowed KSI to increase programming and opportunities for our participants through some of the toughest times the organization ever experienced.”
