KAUKAUNA, Wis. (February 20, 2024)— St. Paul Elder Services (SPES), a community dedicated to enriching the life experience of the individuals it serves, is proud to announce that its president and CEO, Sondra Norder, is one of 25 individuals appointed by Governor Tony Evers to the new Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce. This group of individuals is responsible for sharing perspectives and developing solutions for challenges faced by healthcare workers in Wisconsin, including recruitment and retention of healthcare workers.
The appointment recognizes Norder’s expertise in long-term care services and her innovative approach to management. Currently, she is supporting SPES as it undergoes a substantial cultural transformation from person-centered care to person-directed life. This provides tenants more control over how they want to live each day instead of following a regimented daily schedule. It is also changing the way SPES associates provide care for individuals, shifting from the traditional top-down hierarchical structure to a more localized decision-making process. Aligned with the newly adopted shared leadership concept, Norder has taken a supportive role in this company-wide transformation, guided by Action Pact, a nationally recognized culture change organization.
“We have been very intentional about putting the thoughts and experiences of our associates at every level at the forefront, empowering them to help our tenants live their day-to-day in a way that they choose,” said Norder. “We’re already seeing real, positive changes as a result. In 2023, 69% of our departments experienced higher associate retention compared to the previous year. I’m looking forward to sharing some of these learnings with other healthcare leaders in the state.”
Norder brings to the task force more than ten years of experience as president and CEO of St. Paul Elder Services, which includes its Kaukauna campus and McCormick Assisted Living in Green Bay. In addition, she is chair of the LeadingChoice Network Board and an advisory board member of the Center for Health and Aging Services Excellence at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.
To learn more about St. Paul Elder Services visit stpaulelders.org.
Headshot included.
