Welcome to People in Health Care

Jim Dunn,PhD
Chief Learning Officer
Texas Health Resources

Jim Dunn is the Chief Learning Officer for Texas Health Resources, one of the nation’s largest faith-based health systems. He is responsible for enterprise-wide efforts to build and advance best-in-class talent development through implementation of system-wide organizational learning strategies for approximately 23,000 clinical and non-clinical employees. Prior to joining Texas Health in February, 2008, Jim served as the National Vice President, Human Resources and Talent Retention Strategy for the National Home Office of the American Cancer Society in Atlanta, Georgia. His work history includes progressively responsible roles with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), BP/Amoco Corporation, and leading the human resource operations for former President Carter at the Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta. Additionally, he has developed, for over 100 different organizations in the State of Georgia, programs centered on project management, strategic HR and organization development, group dynamics, employment branding, and diversity management specializing in gender communications and multi-cultural recruitment.

Jim holds an undergraduate degree in chemistry from Howard University and a master’s certificate in human resources management (CSS) from Harvard University. He also received a Masters in Public Health, with a specialization in epidemiology and doctorate for advanced study in teaching (D.A.S.T) from Emory University. Additionally, he holds a PhD in organization development and management from Benedictine University. Dr. Dunn earned professional designations from the World at Work Society as a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), Certified Benefits Professional (CBP) and Global Remuneration Professional (GRP). He received the designation of Human Capital Strategist (HCS) from the Human Capital Institute and holds both Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) designations through the Society for Human Resource Management. Jim is a registered professional mediator, specializing in workplace conflict resolution strategies with the State of Georgia through the Dept. of Alternative Dispute Resolutions.

As a registered OD consultant (RODC) with the Organization Development Institute, Jim has worked as adjunct faculty for Harvard Business School, Morehouse School of Medicine, University of Chicago GSB, Emory University, and currently with the University of Texas at Arlington. He has conducted research and published in the areas of strategic HR, gender communications, change management, and informal vs. formal organizational cultures. His article, Strategic Human Resources: an Alliance for the Future?, was published in the Organization Development Journal and he most recently served as contributing author for Strategic Organization Development: Managing Change for Success.

He was honored by selection as the US keynote conference speaker for the 2008 International HR and Organization Development Conference in Portugal for his work on strategic HR systems. Jim is a current member of the 100 Black Men of Greater Dallas and has been featured in the Who’s Who in Black Atlanta and Dallas publications. Nominated by his health system CEO, Jim received the Outstanding Minority Business Leader Award presented by the Dallas Business Journal on March 25, 2010.

Brian Silva
SVP Human Resources and Administration
Fresenius Medical Care NA

Brian is currently the Senior Vice President Human Resources and Administration for Fresenius Medical Care (FMS), the global leader in kidney care. Fresenius provides life sustaining support to over 140,000 patients, through the dedicated efforts of 55,000 healthcare professionals. The company generates over $9 billion in sales annually through its 2,000 dialysis facilities. Fresenius also designs and distributes dialysis machines, polysulfone dialyzers and pharmaceuticals used in the treatment of patients with kidney failure through its network of over 100 manufacturing, warehousing and distribution locations throughout North America. The company’s laboratories, outpatient surgical facilities and research centers are recognized as world wide leaders in developing outstanding renal care outcomes. Brian’s role at Fresenius is focused upon managing a global team of 200 Human Resources professionals in the delivery of world-class solutions to human capital issues in addition to managing the company’s $800 million corporate real estate portfolio.

Prior to Fresenius, Brian was Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Gentiva Health Services. Gentiva Health Services (GTIV) is the country’s leader in home healthcare with 2011 projected revenue of $2 billion with more than 20,000 healthcare professionals in 460 locations and 41 states. The company’s primary business lines include home health, hospice, durable medical equipment, pharmacy and respiratory therapy with a focus upon Americas aging population. During his tenure with Gentiva, Brian led the strategic direction for 100 Human Resources professionals. While there, he managed all Human Resources integration activities related to seven corporate acquisitions which contributed over $400 million in additional revenue. This included the integration of all organizational design, compensation, benefits, talent acquisition, corporate education and employee practices. He also drove Human Resources and operational initiatives to greatly improve clinician retention.

Before Gentiva Health Services, Brian served as Senior Vice President Human Resources, Administration and Corporate Secretary for Linens N Things. Linens N Things was a $3 Billion, 18,000-employee international home furnishings retailer with over 540 locations in the U.S. and Canada. He was responsible for developing the strategic vision for Human Resources and Corporate Governance, in addition to having P&L responsibility for the company’s e-commerce business.

Prior to Linens N Things, Brian held senior Human Resources roles at The Guardian Insurance Company and Allstate Insurance.

He has also served on the Board of Directors for 24/7 Real Media. 24/7 Real Media is a leader in providing internet marketing strategies including behavioral targeting, ad serving and Web advertising. While on the Board, Brian was Chairman of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee and a member of the Nominating Committee.

Brian received his MA degree from Columbia University in Organization Psychology, holds a MS degree in Human Resources Management from New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) and is a graduate of the Advanced Executive Leadership program at Institut Européen d’Aministration des Affaires (INSEAD), in Fontainebleau, France. Brian completed his undergraduate studies at St. John’s University.

He has also served NYIT as an instructor of Human Resources at NYIT’s Graduate School of Management and is a member of the NYIT Center for Human Resources Studies Advisory Council. Brian holds his Senior Profession in Human Resources (SPHR) and Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR) designations from the Society of Human Resources Management. Brian has spoken at a variety of events including the Conference Board and has been quoted in several magazines including HR Magazine.

He lives in Massachusetts and New York with his wife Luanne.

David B. Smithwick
Chief HR Officer
Duke Clinical Research Institute and Duke Translational Medicine Institute Duke University Medical Center

Mr. Smithwick joined Duke in 2008 as Chief Human Resources Officer for the DCRI and DTMI, and now has more than 30 years of HR experience in the industries of healthcare, clinical research, and energy.  Prior to coming to Duke University Medical Center, Dave was Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Diamond Healthcare Corporation in Richmond, VA. Dave also has served as the Chief Operating Officer for Chesapeake Research Review, Inc., a global regulatory and consulting firm focused on protecting human subjects participating in clinical research.  Dave began his HR career in the corporate headquarters of Texaco Inc. (now Chevron Corporation), working in labor relations and then moving into international Human Resources in Indonesia, Singapore, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

Dave received his Master’s Degree in Industrial Psychology/Human Resource Management from Long Island University and is a certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).