SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Baystate Health has announced the appointment of Melonie R. Jackson as its new Chief People Officer (CPO). Jackson will be responsible for shaping the organization’s human resources strategy with a focus on attracting, developing, and retaining top healthcare talent. In her new role, Jackson will oversee leadership development, talent acquisition, employee engagement, workforce wellness, and labor relations. She will also play a central role in promoting a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement throughout Baystate Health, one of the largest employers and healthcare providers in western Massachusetts. Springfield opens new downtown parking garage with over 800 spaces “Melonie’s dynamic leadership and commitment to innovation in human resources will be invaluable as we work to build a clinically driven, physician-led health system,” said Dean Sanpei, Baystate Health’s Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Strategy Officer. “Her experience in leading HR within large, integrated health systems and health plans will further strengthen our ability to serve our caregivers and help drive future growth.” Jackson joins Baystate Health with more than two decades of experience in human resources across healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), where she oversaw HR strategy for nine hospitals across Pennsylvania and New York. There, she led several initiatives that transformed workforce operations, improved employee engagement, and strengthened organizational culture. Her previous leadership experience includes roles at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health System), Capital One, Methodist Health System, and Regions Bank. Jackson’s background in workforce analytics and strategic planning is expected to bolster Baystate Health’s ongoing efforts to be a premier destination for healthcare professionals. Jackson earned her Bachelor of Arts from Southeast Missouri State University and an MBA from Texas Woman’s University. She also holds a certificate in Executive Compensation from the Wharton Executive Education program at the University of Pennsylvania. Local News Headlines Springfield man charged with sexually assaulting minor in Somers What is causing the decline of the honey bee population? Springfield officials work together to address federal education funding Mass. lawmakers shift climate plan under Trump WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less