MDI Hospital Hires Joanne Harris as Director of Human Resources

Joanne Harris, former Director of Internal Laboratory Relations at The Jackson Laboratory has joined Mount Desert Island Hospital as its new Director of Human Resources. Ms. Harris brings to her new position nearly 30 years experience in personnel management and human resources.
 
Ms. Harris received a Bachelors degree in Political Science from Florida State University in 1972. Between 1977 and 1979, she served as Employment Manager at Eastern Maine Medical Center.
 
In 1979, she joined The Jackson Laboratory as a Personnel Specialist. The following year Ms. Harris was promoted to Personnel Manager, a position she held until 1990. In addition to her regular duties, Ms. Harris served as the Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Officer.
 
Between 1990 and 2004, Ms. Harris served as Director of Human Resources.  In this position, she was responsible for oversight and planning of all aspects of human resources, including recruitment and retention, wage and salary, benefits and pension administration and employee relations.
 
In 1999, Ms. Harris helped The Jackson Laboratory establish a presence in Sacramento, California, advising managers at all levels on personnel issues.
 
In 2004, Ms. Harris was again promoted to Director of the newly created Office of Internal Laboratory Relations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, she provided advice and recommendations to the Senior Management Team on matters of policy, corporate culture, actions and strategies designed to enhance workplace atmosphere.
 
During her 28 years at The Jackson Laboratory, Ms. Harris was credited with helping to advance and grow staff from 380 members, when she joined, to its current population of 1,350.
 
Earlier this year, prior to joining MDI Hospital, Ms. Harris received The 2008 Jackson Laboratory’s Community Award. The award was presented in recognition of her commitment to a positive, productive work environment.
 
“I am really energized by coming to MDI Hospital.  Our island community is so fortunate to have this facility staffed by wonderful and caring employees.  I hope to enrich the environment here so that the employees are as well cared for as our patients.”