From Suduko to Perry Mason, Rhonda Turner enjoys solving puzzles and problems. She’s putting her talents to work as the business manager for the NC Center on the Workforce for Health and shares more in the Q&A below.

Why did you choose to work for the NC Center on the Workforce for Health?

Having family members and friends who are a part of the direct care workforce, I thought working for the NC Center on the Workforce for Health was important because it would allow me to be a part of an initiative that is imperative to recognizing the importance and value of those working as nursing assistants, residential care aides and home health aides. The state of North Carolina is ready to accept the challenge and join other states, around the country, in providing individuals serving in these roles with the training, resources and livable wages that they deserve, which are key components to reducing the staffing shortages that currently exist within these segments of the healthcare field.

What does your role for the Center entail?

Currently, I am responsible for helping the Center’s director select talented staff, through human resource administration to support the operational needs of the organization. I also serve as the Center’s lead financial administrator, responsible for handling project budgets and managing expenditures.

Share some of the rewards of being part of the inaugural team at the Center.

While self-gratification is low on my list of personal attributes, once the Center has accomplished many of the goals that have been outlined for its’ overall success, I think the most rewarding part will be just knowing that I was able to contribute to the process, by working alongside other Center staff tasked with moving the Center from the conceptual phase to full reality.

Why is the Center’s mission to strengthen our state’s health workforce important to you personally?

It takes a special person to pursue a career in the healthcare field. The Center’s mission to strengthen the state’s health workforce is important to me, personally, because I know how difficult and challenging it can be to serve in this capacity. My experience is not necessarily from a firsthand perspective, but previous positions that I held at UNC and UNC Health provided insight into the recruitment and retention challenges that the field has faced, particularly in the post-Covid era. I have participated in salary and equity review studies that sought to address staffing shortages within the healthcare services industry. Those studies helped me fully understand why the Center’s mission is so critical and essential.

You’ve worked for the UNC system for more than 20 years in a variety of roles. What are some of your career highlights?

I spent 14 years working for the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. During that time, I was the recipient of three “Star Heel” awards, from 3 different departments, two of which fell under the School of Public Health and one from the School of Medicine. These awards were given to employees who provided outstanding service to their department, respective outside departments or other divisions. These awards were, and still are, important to me, because these departments recognized the value that I added to each of their respective units. UNC has also allowed me to engage in more than 900+ hours of career development training opportunities, over the course of my employment. Those training opportunities have been an invaluable part of the success that I’ve had, while working in the UNC System.

What are three adjectives you would use to describe yourself?

Analytical, Observant and Perceptive

What was your first job as a teenager or young adult?

I worked at Wendy’s while attending college.

Outside of work, how do you enjoy spending your free time?

In my free time, I like solving Sudoku puzzles and playing games that exercise your brain.

What are you currently reading or watching on television?

I enjoy watching old TV shows from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. One of my favorite shows is Perry Mason.

What are some of your talents and interests?

Two of my interests are cross-stitch and calligraphy.

To read Rhonda’s bio click here.