Press release from Pardee UNC Health Care:
Pardee UNC Health Care announced its first Vice-President of Workforce Development and Community Affairs will be Dr. John Bryant, a highly respected community leader, educator and administrator. In this role, Bryant will be responsible for developing and recruiting a qualified workforce to fill a diminishing pipeline of healthcare workers. Inherent in this work will be the cultivation of key partnerships within education that will result in additional pathways for a career in healthcare. Bryant will formally join Pardee in this new role on July 1, 2022.
“We are thrilled that Dr. John Bryant will join our team in this new and very important role,” said Jay Kirby, President and CEO, Pardee UNC Health Care. “National shortages of nurses and other clinical roles have been prominent headlines for the past two years; COVID only exacerbated a problem that was already present and growing. Having a dedicated position that goes beyond recruitment to cultivating partnerships and pathways is a gamechanger for our organization, our community and the region.”
Dr. Bryant currently serves as the Superintendent for Henderson County Public Schools, with more than two decades of experience holding leadership and administrative roles within the system.
“The honor and privilege of serving HCPS among extraordinary educators for the past sixteen years has shaped a deep devotion to Henderson County. This role presents a vital and exciting opportunity to continue serving our community and the broader region, while seeking to have a positive impact on the lives of current and future employees,” said Bryant.
“As VP of Workforce Development and Community Affairs at Pardee, we will be able to build upon the successful relationships I’ve developed with K-12 and higher education institutions in the region to cultivate sustainable pathways to healthcare careers.” Bryant notes that “we’re operating in a very interdependent system, now more than ever. Understanding how the education system can create pathways to support a more robust healthcare system is something I feel strongly about and have a unique perspective from which to work.”
Holding degrees from Elon University, Gardner Webb University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western Carolina University, Bryant and his wife, Lisa K. Bryant moved to Henderson County in 2006 where they have been engaged community members since. Dr. Bryant is an active member and chaired the Board of Directors of the United Way of Henderson County. He currently serves on the Henderson County Board of Health and the Board of Directors of the WNC YMCA. Previous community service includes membership on the Children and Family Resource Center Board of Directors and the Henderson County Transportation Advisory Board.
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