CHOC Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Mark Steiman has been recognized by the National Human Resources Association, Orange County Chapter as its “Executive of the Year.”
Mark was honored for his contributions and achievements in strategic execution. He was selected through a highly competitive vetting process that involved a 360-degree evaluation and interviews with CHOC leaders, direct reports and industry peers.
This year’s field of nominees was the largest in the 29-year history of the event, according to National NHRA President Jennifer Steier.
“Mark developed a comprehensive strategy covering recruitment, competitive compensation, workplace safety, employee health and engagement to [help] ensure CHOC has the highly motivated and qualified workforce to provide top-tier pediatric care in Orange County,” said NHRA-OC President-Elect JC Carrion.
Conceived in 1995, the “HR Executives of the Year” awards program recognizes HR executives and teams of high-performing leaders making a positive impact within their organizations and professional industries.
In his acceptance speech, Steiman stressed that the award is more than an individual honor; it is a reflection of his team’s commitment to making CHOC a great place to work.
“They fill in my gaps with the most vibrant and brilliant spectrum of technicolor that any leader could ever hope for,” Steiman said. “I know my team does a great job, and the organization knows we do a great job, and now the rest of the HR community does, as well.”
Those interviewed during Steiman’s nomination process highlighted his leadership, workforce strategies, relationship building and commitment to improving and sustaining enhancements among many of the strengths that earn him the national honor.
“It’s a leader who can take an organization, bring in the right talent, identify the needs and really allow people to do their best work in order to bring us to where we are today,” said CHOC HR Business Partners Director Tamera Jones.
“One of CHOC’s strategic priorities is demonstrating to employees, physicians and medical staff that people are our most treasured asset. It was vital during the emergence of the pandemic,” explained CHOC at Mission Hospital Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Emma Sandhu.
“Working with Mark to achieve that and bring that strategy to life helped the organization really feel that we mean what we say,” Sandhu added.
Within CHOC’s human resources division, Steiman has fostered a culture where his team is focused on continuous improvement to better plan for and exceed future organizational needs.
“He has an ability to see what’s on the horizon,” said CHOC Talent Acquisition Director Claudia Nakasone. “He encourages us to get a little more creative and also to look outside of healthcare to see what other industries are doing and how we can do it.”
“Much of the success the HR team has experienced while ushering in change throughout CHOC has to do with the thoughtful approach they are using,” explained HR Program and Initiatives Director Jamie Wilson.
One example is the introduction of a Strategic Workforce Planning Council, which pairs together HR directors and strategic business owners to ensure leaders from across the organization have a voice in the design and implementation of new initiatives.
“People don’t resist change. They resist being changed,” Wilson said, summarizing the approach Mark has encouraged.
The power of strategic execution, according to Steiman, cannot be understated.
“It’s more than buzz words,” he said. “It’s the secret ingredient that turns organizational dreams into realities.
