PASADENA, Md. — Hospice of the Chesapeake has added three experienced professionals to its senior leadership team.
Shawn Essien joined the organization in June as vice president of human resources. She brings more than 20 years of experience as a human resources executive and licensed employment attorney, with a background in labor relations, collective bargaining and organizational development in mission-driven and highly regulated environments. Most recently, she served as head of people and culture for the ACLU of Maryland. Essien holds a Juris Doctor degree and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources and a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional.
Donna Grande was appointed chief transformation officer in January after joining the organization last fall. She has more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in health care and public health, including prior roles with the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In her role, Grande works with leaders across the organization to advance strategic priorities and improve operational effectiveness.
Melanie Gibson has been named regional director of hospice operations for the southern region, which includes Calvert, Charles and Prince George’s counties. She brings more than 25 years of experience in hospice and palliative care operations and most recently served as senior regional director of operations at AccentCare/Seasons Hospice and Palliative Care. Gibson holds a Master of Healthcare Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is a Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse.
“We are thrilled to welcome Shawn, Donna and Melanie to our leadership team,” said Becky Miller, president and CEO of Hospice of the Chesapeake. “Their combined experience, vision and commitment to mission-driven leadership will help strengthen our organization as we continue to grow and expand our impact throughout the communities we serve.”
Hospice of the Chesapeake provides care for individuals and families navigating serious advanced illness and loss. The organization has served more than 65,000 patients and 100,000 family members over more than 45 years and is part of Chesapeake Health Partners.
