🎙️ New Episode: Building Talent Teams That Last with Anthony Scarpino
In this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo sit down with Anthony Scarpino, Vice President of Talent Acquisition at National Health Care Associates, for a real-world look at the challenges—and opportunities—facing today’s healthcare recruiters.

🔄 From Dietitian to TA Executive: A Fresh Lens on Hiring

Anthony’s path started in clinical care and took him through leadership roles at Sodexo and Marriott. His diverse background shapes how he builds recruiting teams today—emphasizing adaptability, cross-industry learning, and the power of genuine relationship-building.

💡 “A great recruiter can recruit anywhere—as long as they’re willing to learn and connect.”

🧠 Recruiting Across the Healthcare Spectrum

In long-term care, hiring goes beyond clinical roles. Anthony and the hosts explore the challenge of sourcing for everything from CNAs to facilities managers to executives—and why mental flexibility is key in a complex, high-volume hiring environment.

🛠️ Rebuilding the TA Function from the Ground Up

When Anthony joined National, TA operations were largely manual and decentralized. He shares the ongoing journey of implementing an applicant tracking system, introducing consistency across 40+ facilities, and aligning systems with real-world workflows.

🧭 “We train toward the happy path—then guide people back to it when needed.”

💬 People Over Process: Keeping Recruiters Engaged

With change underway, how do you keep your team energized? Anthony walks through his approach:

• Restructuring the team to align closer to field operations
• Investing in team strengths and development
• Launching an incentive plan (even modest rewards matter)

💡 “What you do is valuable—and we’re going to share in the success of that outcome.”

✝️ Wisdom to Lead By

To close the episode, Anthony shares a quote that’s helped him through big transitions:
“Let go and let God.”
Sometimes leadership means trusting the process and moving forward with intention—even through uncertainty.

🎧 Tune in for:
✔️ Actionable insights on structuring TA teams
✔️ Lessons on adopting tech in legacy systems
✔️ Strategies for balancing flexibility with consistency
✔️ Real talk about recruiting burnout, pipelines, and persistence

Listen now on all major podcast platforms—and share with a fellow TA or HR leader who needs a fresh dose of inspiration.

With appreciation,
The ASHHRA Podcast Team

This episode is sponsored by RxBenefits... Unlock Pharmacy Plan Potential!

Your employees expect top-tier medical benefits, like comprehensive care access. But how can you balance these expectations against rising costs, across your full benefits portfolio? Did you know that hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions each year than other industries? How can you tell if all those prescriptions were needed, or if you could have had significant cost savings by filling at your own hospital pharmacies?

Contact RxBenefits today to learn more: https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

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🎙️ This week on The ASHHRA Podcast, co-hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo sit down with Johnathon Bye, AVP of New Talent Strategies at Duke University Health System, to explore the intersection of hospitality, technology, and the all-important human touch in healthcare HR.

From Hospitality to Healthcare: Experience Matters

Johnathon’s journey from retail and hospitality to healthcare HR taught him one thing: experience is everything. At Duke, he leads the charge in delivering a “blue carpet experience”—a nod to classic red-carpet service with a Duke Blue twist. Whether it's a candidate, new hire, or tenured leader, every journey should feel personal and valued.

💬 “You could have the best tech stack, but if you lose that human interaction, you lose everything too.”

Tech Supports, But Empathy Leads

Technology enhances efficiency, but empathy is irreplaceable. Johnathon’s team keeps people at the center of every decision, knowing each interaction shapes both patient care and workforce culture.

🔑 Pro Tip: Help your team connect staffing work to your organization’s mission: “If you can’t staff the beds, you can’t care for the patients.”

Innovation in TA: Shadowing Builds Connection

One of Duke’s most impactful practices? Each year at the TA Summit, recruiters shadow frontline staff—walking in their shoes to better understand the roles they hire for. It builds trust with hiring managers and sparks more authentic candidate conversations.

💡 Action Idea: Have your TA team shadow for a morning—it’s low-cost and delivers big returns in empathy, engagement, and recruiting success.

Retention Through Growth

Talent hoarding blocks growth. At Duke, leaders are encouraged to support internal mobility, driving a culture of shared success. As Johnathon says: “When your team earns promotions, it’s a win for the whole organization.”

🧠 Leadership Reflection: Are you rewarding managers for developing talent—or just minimizing turnover?

Celebrate & Share the Wins

Duke’s TA Summit isn’t just strategy and metrics—it’s about recognizing wins, sharing stories, and energizing the team.

📌 Quote to Remember:
“You might not remember every positive interaction. But you’ll always remember a negative one.” — Johnathon Bye

🎧 Listen to the full episode for practical ideas, leadership insight, and a blueprint for elevating candidate and employee experience.

With appreciation,
The ASHHRA Podcast Team

This episode is sponsored by RxBenefits... Unlock Pharmacy Plan Potential!

Your employees expect top-tier medical benefits, like comprehensive care access. But how can you balance these expectations against rising costs, across your full benefits portfolio? Did you know that hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions each year than other industries? How can you tell if all those prescriptions were needed, or if you could have had significant cost savings by filling at your own hospital pharmacies?

Contact RxBenefits today to learn more: https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

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🎙️ New Episode: The Battle Over 340B Drug Pricing – Part 3
If you care about healthcare advocacy, pharmacy savings, and the sustainability of your hospital, this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast is a must-listen.

In the studio:
Your co-host Bo Brabo is joined again by two returning experts—Sarah Hearn of RxBenefits and Rhiannon Klein, a frontline 340B advocate—for a compelling update on where things stand with the 340B drug pricing program.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
💊 340B Basics Made Clear – Rhiannon breaks down what 340B is, why it exists, and how it keeps hospitals and clinics serving vulnerable communities.
🤝 Why HR Should Care – Sarah shares how 340B can dramatically reduce employee drug costs and why HR and pharmacy teams must work together to protect these savings.
⚖️ Current Advocacy Trends – From litigation and state legislation to industry misinformation, learn what’s unfolding behind the scenes—and what’s at stake.
🧠 Fighting Misinformation – Hear how advocates are pushing back against pharma talking points and why HR professionals should be in the loop.
🏥 Strengthening Local Ties – Ideas for building hospital-business partnerships that reinvest 340B savings into employee health and community care.
🤖 AI in Pharmacy – A forward-looking take on how artificial intelligence could shape drug claim management and advocacy work in the future.

Trusted Resources Mentioned:
📌 340B Report – Industry updates & news
📌 Apexus 340B University – Free education tools
📌 NACHC – National Association of Community Health Centers

The Big Picture:
340B isn’t just about pharmacy operations—it’s mission-critical for workforce health, HR strategy, and the financial viability of hospitals. Whether you’re in HR, operations, or advocacy, understanding 340B is essential to leading in today’s healthcare environment.

🎧 Listen now to gain the insight and tools needed to protect this vital program—and support the communities who rely on it.

📍 Haven’t heard Parts 1 and 2?
Check out episodes 133 and 135 for a deeper dive into the legislative landscape and why 340B is under fire.

This episode is sponsored by RxBenefits... Unlock Pharmacy Plan Potential!

Your employees expect top-tier medical benefits, like comprehensive care access. But how can you balance these expectations against rising costs, across your full benefits portfolio? Did you know that hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions each year than other industries? How can you tell if all those prescriptions were needed, or if you could have had significant cost savings by filling at your own hospital pharmacies?

Contact RxBenefits today to learn more: https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

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In this engaging conversation that happened live at ASHHRA25 in Albuquerque, Felicia Miller, EVP and Chief Talent Officer, dives deep into the success and challenges faced at Parkland Health. Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:

• Successful Workforce Strategies: Felicia shares Parkland Health's impressive retention rates, low vacancy rates, and how they've successfully kept the workforce engaged and thriving.
• Service Excellence and Human Experience: Discover what "service excellence" means at Parkland Health, as Felicia emphasizes the importance of creating a positive experience for employees, providers, and patients alike.
• Technology Transformation: Learn about Parkland Health's transition from PeopleSoft to Workday, and how they're ensuring a seamless shift without compromising their effective processes.
• Career Development and AI: Felicia passionately discusses how Parkland Health focuses on career development and the exciting future of integrating AI to enhance—not replace—the human workforce.

Felicia's vision for the future of HR at Parkland is truly inspiring, as she aims to transition her department from "Flintstones to Jetsons!" Her leadership ensures that Parkland remains an employer of choice for those with a calling to serve.

Make sure to tune in for these incredible insights and more! And remember, ASHHRA26 is happening next May in Savannah, Georgia. Mark your calendars for another opportunity to connect and grow with us.

Listen to the full episode now and join us on this transformative journey with Felicia Miller!

Warm regards,

The ASHHRA Podcast Team

This episode is sponsored by RxBenefits... Unlock Pharmacy Plan Potential!

Your employees expect top-tier medical benefits, like comprehensive care access. But how can you balance these expectations against rising costs, across your full benefits portfolio? Did you know that hospital employees fill 25% more prescriptions each year than other industries? How can you tell if all those prescriptions were needed, or if you could have had significant cost savings by filling at your own hospital pharmacies?

Contact RxBenefits today to learn more: https://rxbene.fit/3ZaurZN

Support the show

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We're thrilled to bring you a fresh new episode from the ASHHRA Podcast, recorded live at ASHHRA25 in vibrant Albuquerque, New Mexico. Bo and Luke had the pleasure of welcoming back an incredible guest, Dr. Richard Safeer, Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-being at Johns Hopkins Medicine.

In our latest episode, Richard dives deep into the essential role that workplace leadership plays in fostering good health and well-being among employees. With 25 years of experience under his belt, he shared insights that are not only thought-provoking but also actionable.

Key Takeaways:

• Leaders' Role: Dr. Safeer underscores the pivotal influence that leaders have on their team's mental health. Learn how a simple shift in a manager's demeanor can significantly impact a team's mood and productivity.
• Trainings That Matter: Discover how Johns Hopkins is transforming leadership training by integrating health and well-being into their core programs. Richard shares practical steps on infusing well-being into your daily work routine.
• Unpacking Priorities: Ever felt overwhelmed by an endless to-do list? Richard explains how defining clear priorities can reduce stress and elevate workplace engagement.
• Embrace the Science: Get ready to connect the dots between mood contagion and the science behind emotional impact in the workplace.

This conversation is perfect for HR and healthcare professionals looking to lead healthier and more intentional work environments. Plus, don't miss Richard's book, "A Cure for the Common Company," awarded continuing education credits by SHRM. It's a valuable resource for all HR leaders!

Whether you're tuning in on your commute or during a break, this episode promises to deliver insights and inspiration. Head over to our website or your favorite podcast platform to listen in.

Until next time, keep thriving and prioritizing well-being in your workplace!

Best, The ASHHRA Podcast Team

P.S. Mark your calendars for next year's ASHHRA conference in Savannah, Georgia! Let's make strides in creating healthy workplace cultures together.

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We're thrilled to bring you the latest episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, recorded live from the ASHHRA 2025 Conference in vibrant Albuquerque!

In this special episode, our hosts Luke and Bo sit down with the insightful Emily Endert, Corporate Director of HR at Covenant Woods in Mechanicsville, Virginia. Emily shares her incredible journey of joining Covenant Woods back in 2005, a place that's much more than just a retirement community. It’s a village teeming with life where healthcare regulations meet heartwarming stories and community connections.

Emily dives into the challenges and triumphs of recruiting in the healthcare industry, highlighting the unique nature of working in a community where residents make life-changing commitments to stay. She offers a glimpse into the importance of building genuine relationships and how Covenant Woods fosters an environment where employees and residents thrive.

Curious about workplace dynamics? The conversation unpacks the unique benefits and occasional challenges of working in a setting that's both employees’ workplace and residents’ home. Hear about Emily’s innovative solutions to the universal challenges like minimum wage adjustments, employee appreciation, and the small joys that come from refusing gifts with grace.

Oh, and did we mention the farm-to-table garden at Covenant Woods? Emily details how this not only supplies fresh produce to the community but also attracts new residents excited by the homey, engaged living experience.

Plus, get inspired by the conference energy and explore why the ASHHRA annual gathering is a must-attend event. Whether it’s networking, innovation, or the sheer joy of face-to-face interactions, there’s something for everyone.

Warm regards,

The ASHHRA Podcast Team

P.S. Mark your calendars now for ASHHRA26 in Savannah, Georgia (May) and, who knows, maybe you’ll join Bo and Luke on the podcast stage next year!

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In this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, we sit down with DJ Campbell, Chief Human Resources Officer at Sanford Health, to discuss the powerful role leadership development plays in transforming healthcare organizations. DJ shares insights from his dual perspective—sitting on the executive team of a major regional market while shaping strategy for Sanford’s 60,000+ employees.

Listeners will discover:
✔️ How Sanford Health is rethinking leadership development from the inside out
✔️ The critical difference between tactical leaders and transformational ones
✔️ Why physician leadership and informal influence are key to building resilient teams
✔️ How developing every employee can strengthen organizational culture and retention
✔️ What “restless leadership” really looks like in action

Whether you're an HR executive, frontline leader, or individual contributor, DJ's experience and energy will inspire you to challenge outdated assumptions and invest in the people who power healthcare.

The ASHHRA Podcast Team

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We are thrilled to share this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast featuring the incredible Tonya Richards, Vice President of HR and Organizational Development at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.

In this enlightening episode, co-hosts Luke Carignan and Bo Brabo dive into a conversation with Tonya about her extensive 20-year journey in healthcare HR. With a rich background in talent management, diversity, equity, and inclusion, Tonya brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for creating inclusive and empowering workplaces.

Here's a peek into what you'll learn by tuning in:

• The Power of Engagement: Tonya shares insights into how ongoing conversations, including innovative "stay interviews," can enhance employee retention and prevent exits from your organization.
• Diverse Leadership: Discover how diversity, equity, and inclusion can be interwoven into every part of the employee lifecycle, creating a culture of belonging and empowerment.
• Career Growth and People-Centric Leadership: Learn from Tonya's experiences as she discusses the importance of intentional development in both employees and leaders, ensuring alignment with personal values and organizational goals.
• Insightful Leadership Memories: Tonya reflects on the mentors who shaped her career and the importance of having leaders who empower their teams with trust and autonomy.

This episode is a treasure trove of HR strategies that are instrumental for anyone looking to foster a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic organizational culture.

Don't miss the chance to hear Tonya's journey and wisdom! Tune in now and elevate your HR game.

As always, we appreciate your support and the incredible work you do in the healthcare HR industry. If you enjoy the episode, feel free to share it with your network or drop us a note—we'd love to hear from you!

Warm regards,

The ASHHRA Podcast Team

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