Contact: Mary F. Masson, mfmasson@umich.edu, 734-764-2220
(photo available on request)
University of Michigan Health System appoints new chief human resources officer
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Joseph E. Fournier has accepted an offer to become the next chief human resources officer for the U-M Health System. He will begin this leadership role in February, 2015, with overall responsibility for human resources programs, initiatives and services in the Health System.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Joe’s experience and expertise leading our human resources team,” says Tony Denton, acting chief executive officer, U-M Hospitals and Health Centers. “As we continue our efforts to be a leader in health care while retaining and recruiting the most talented employees, Joe’s leadership will be essential to our success.”
Fournier is the vice president and chief human resources officer for UMass Memorial Medical Center and senior human resources officer for UMass Memorial Health Care. He is responsible for the leadership and oversight of human resources services to UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Memorial Medical Group and UMass Memorial Health Care’s corporate offices.
In his current role, Fournier leads operational and financial strategies to improve employee and physician engagement and satisfaction, employee health and wellness, volunteer services, diversity and inclusion, total rewards, talent acquisition, labor and employee relations, and employee communications. He is ultimately responsible for all labor negotiations for the UMass Memorial Health Care System.
“I’m honored by the opportunity to join a world-class health system driven by excellence in patient care, education and clinical research,” says Fournier. “I'm thrilled to lead a human resources team that will be instrumental in supporting the U-M Health System in the changing and challenging environment of academic healthcare.”
Among his accomplishments, Fournier helped shape UMass Memorial’s labor strategy and his team negotiated 13 labor contracts in a 16-month period; launched a major benefits redesign including establishing joint committees with labor unions; and led a multi-disciplinary HR team through numerous organizational changes.
“I look forward to Mr. Fournier’s leadership in preparing our staff for success in the changing landscape of academic medicine," says James O. Woolliscroft, M.D., dean, U-M Medical School, and the Lyle C. Roll Professor of Medicine.
Fournier is an adjunct professor in the Master in Health Care Administration program at Worcester State University. He holds a law degree from Suffolk University Law School, Master’s degree in Health Care Administration from Worcester State University and Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Providence College.  He was formerly a major in the United States Air Force.