Newly hired Chief People Officer to drive the organization’s mission-based culture, developing current team members and drawing new talent.

HOOD RIVER, Ore., Aug. 26, 2019 — People move to the scenic Columbia River Gorge every day. Many come for the wind and waves, world-renowned for drawing kite-boarding, windsurfing and water-sports enthusiasts from the United States and beyond. But Human Resources Specialist Jennifer Griffith has come to assume a new role as Chief People Officer at One Community Health (OCH), the Gorge’s nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center, founded in 1986 and serving 12,000+ people today.

Max Janasik, OCH’s CEO, announced Griffith’s acceptance in August 2019, communicating to the organization’s team members the relevance her newly defined position, specifically how it goes beyond the traditional role of a human resources director.

“Jennifer is focused on building and growing our most important asset—our people,” Janasik says. “She’s a strategist, culture creator, optimizer of employee experience, and critical member of our executive leadership team. I’ve heard from many employees that, in a few short weeks, Jennifer has already made a difference in how it feels to work at OCH, and I am confident she will help us make OCH one of the most desired places to work.”

While Griffith will work to support Janasik and OCH’s leadership team, she will grow and build the nonprofit, not just developing its employees but shaping and sustaining an inspiring, truly mission-based culture that lives and breathes OCH’s core values.

“I strongly believe that human resources is a key strategic partner to the CEO and leadership team, and that is certainly a core aspect in my job scope,” Griffith says. “However, the title of Chief People Officer reflects not only the strategic benefit that HR can bring to an organization but also emphasizes the role good HR can play as an advocate for both the organization and our employees, who are our most important asset.”

Originally from California, Griffith came to OCH from Seattle, having most recently served as HR director for AGC Biologics out of Bothell, Wash. She brings a strong background in both nonprofit and health-care related businesses, plus holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in organizational development from the University of San Francisco. With more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources and her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR®) certification, Griffith offers a wealth of skills and talents to her position. Since coming aboard at OCH, she has already demonstrated the ability to scrutinize facts and figures, identify gaps and needs, surface truth, source and implement solutions, and empower and encourage team members to improve, own and celebrate their success.

Griffith says she is thrilled to join One Community Health because of its purpose, its community and patient-focused model of care, and its compassionate, mission-oriented operational team.

“I’m really excited to play my part on the team to help employees grow their careers here,” Griffith says. “I look forward to bringing in new team members who can enhance the already fantastic group of employees we have and work together to create an infrastructure that ensures they have easy access to the resources needed to continue delivering great patient care.”

About One Community Health
One Community Health (OCH) is a nonprofit, Federally Qualified Health Center with locations in The Dalles and Hood River, Ore. Formerly known as La Clínica del Cariño Family Health Care Center, Inc., it was founded in 1986 and, today, has evolved into an official Patient-Centered Primary Care Home. OCH currently provides services to more than 12,000 patients. In addition, OCH excels in providing educational programs and support that reflect its integrated approach to health and wellbeing. Dedicated to advancing health and social justice for all its community members, OCH serves patients from the Mid-Columbia River Gorge Region: Wasco, Hood River, Klickitat and Skamania Counties.

Media and Storytelling Inquiries:
Katie Roberts, communications director
303-709-2912
kroberts@onecommunityhealth.org