Description
Tamarack Health has exclusively retained AMN Healthcare to lead a national search to recruit the next Vice President of Human Resources of Tamarack Health in preparation of upcoming retirement of a long-tenured HR executive.
The Opportunity:
Tamarack Health is seeking a strategic thought partner and advisor to serve as Vice President of Human Resources for the independent, non-profit health system serving communities across northern Wisconsin through its campuses in Ashland and Hayward, along with a network of primary care and specialty clinics. This is an exciting opportunity to shape how a mission-driven, independent health system attracts, develops and retains its people in an increasingly competitive and complex health environment. With two distinct campuses, a mix of union and non-union employees, and a strong commitment to organic, relationship-based change, Tamarack Health is seeking a leader who can balance enterprise thinking with local nuance. The VP of HR will have the latitude to elevate human resources as a strategic partner, strengthen consistency across sites, and help ensure Tamarack Health remains an employer of choice in northern Wisconsin.
The Vice President of Human Resources serves as Tamarack Health’s senior people executive, responsible for leading enterprise-wide human resources strategy and operations across all campuses and services. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the role partners closely with the senior leadership team and the Board to algin workforce strategy with organizational priorities, strengthen leadership capability, and ensure compliant, effective people practices throughout the system. The VP of Human Resources oversees a broad functional portfolio that includes Human Resources operations, Employee Health, Organizational Development and Learning, Clinical Education, and Pastoral Care. This leader is accountable for building strong, consistent HR infrastructure while remaining highly accessible and hands-on with leaders and teams.
The Organization:
Tamarack Health is an independent, nonprofit health system serving communities across northern Wisconsin through its campuses in Ashland and Hayward, along with a network of primary care and specialty clinics. The system employs more than 1,200 employees and works with approximately 150 physicians and advanced practice providers, making it one of the region’s largest and most essential employers.
Tamarack Health operates two critical access hospitals, each licensed for up to 25 acute care beds, providing a combined total of approximately 50 acute care beds across the system. In addition to hospital services, the organization offers inpatient behavioral health services with 10 licensed beds, along with post-acute and senior care services, including a 50-bed skilled nursing facility and assisted living on the Hayward campus, as well as a broad range of outpatient and community-based services designed to meet local needs.
The Region:
Tamarack Health serves communities in Ashland and Hayward, located in northern Wisconsin’s scenic Northwoods region near the shores of Lake Superior and just east of Duluth. The area is known for its strong sense of community, welcoming residents, and deep appreciation for relationships, authenticity, and local leadership.
Ashland offers a vibrant small city feel with access to Lake Superior, a historic downtown, arts and cultural events, and regional dining. Hayward is a close-knit community known for its outdoor heritage, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong civic pride. While the campuses are approximately 60 miles apart, both communities share a commitment to local access to healthcare, education, and quality of life.
Requirements
The Ideal Candidate:
A Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in business or human resources preferred.
10+ years of Human Resources leadership experience preferred.
Healthcare experience is helpful but not required; candidates from adjacent or non-healthcare related industries will be considered if they bring the right leadership mindset and systems orientation.
Broad, generalist HR expertise including talent acquisition, employee relations, compensation and benefits, performance management, compliance and workforce planning.
Ability to work productively and effectively within a complex environment.
Analytical ability is necessary to evaluate staff, address and improve in areas of responsibility, and devise solutions to complex problems. Create an environment of open dialogue, inquiry and continuous development by asking for feedback and improving practice.
Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance and regulatory requirements.
Strong understanding of labor relations; union experience preferred but not required.
Experience advancing workforce pipelines, internal career pathways, and retention strategies, particularly for early career and hard-to-fill roles.
