Ep. 36 | From Cost Center to Strategic Driver: CHROs Leading Workforce Transformation
In this episode of Elevate Care, Kerry engages in an insightful conversation with Tomya Watt, Chief People Officer at AMN Healthcare, about the evolving role of Chief Human Resource Officers (CHROs). Together, they explore how CHROs have transitioned from transactional roles to becoming strategic, solution-driven partners in the C-suite. The discussion highlights the power of data in driving workforce transformation, the importance of aligning talent strategies with business goals, and how holistic workforce solutions and technology integration can elevate patient care and organizational success.
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Timestamps
00:00 The Evolving Role of CHROs
06:08 Holistic Workforce Solutions and Technology Integration
09:23 Aligning Talent Strategies for Workforce Transformation
About Tomya Watt
Tomya Watt is the Chief People Officer at AMN Healthcare, where she oversees human resources and fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, and empowerment. With extensive experience as a human resources leader in the healthcare industry, Tomya has a proven ability to build high-performing, inclusive organizations. Previously, she held senior leadership roles at Kelly Services, Comerica Bank, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where she served as interim Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Diversity Officer. During her 15 years at Memorial Sloan Kettering, she led initiatives to boost employee engagement and streamline talent acquisition, enhancing both the workplace and patient care. Tomya earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Spelman College and an MBA from Howard University. She continues to drive innovation and inclusivity in her work, creating environments where collaboration and excellence thrive. Connect with Tomya: 
/ tomyawatt
About Kerry Perez
Kerry Perez leads the design and development of enterprise strategy in addition to overseeing Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Creative Services. Ms. Perez joined AMN Healthcare in 2007 and has held various roles during her tenure, including recruitment, marketing, innovation, strategy, and M&A. She most recently served as the company’s Vice President of Enterprise Strategy. She also stood up AMN Healthcare's Diligence and Integration Management Office, which led the strategic and functional integration of new acquisitions to drive synergy. She was named among Staffing Industry Analyst’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2021, and she hosts the AMN Healthcare podcast, Elevate Care. Ms. Perez maintains the guiding principles of being customer-obsessed, thinking big, and delivering results. She has a passion for mentoring emerging leaders and building effective teams. Ms. Perez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Economics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the University of California at Santa Barbara. For more than four years, she has served on the board of Dallas-based nonprofit CitySquare, which focuses on fighting the causes and effects of poverty. Connect with Kerry.
