Burlington, VT – As Vermont works to address the statewide impacts of a national workforce shortage, state officials have tapped University of Vermont Health Network’s top recruitment leader to serve a second three-year term on the state’s Workforce Development Board.

Rebecca Kapsalis, SCP, SPHR, associate vice president and talent acquisition leader for UVM Health Network, has served on the 27-member board since March of 2022. The group, which was restructured as part of Act 146 of 2024, is tasked with enhancing coordination within the state’s workforce system to better address the workforce crisis. Members also advise Governor Phil Scott on workforce policy and oversee the state’s One-Stop American Job Center system.

“I am proud to serve among our state’s leaders in business, education and government as we pursue a shared goal of strengthening our workforce and responding to longstanding challenges that impact businesses and workers across Vermont,” said Kapsalis. “Our health system continues to develop innovative partnerships and pathways that help Vermonters unlock rewarding careers in health care. Understanding the future needs of workers, employers and communities across Vermont is critical as we develop partnerships and programs that work for everyone.”

The health system’s efforts growing professional development pipelines and educational partnerships for health care careers amid an extended health care workforce crisis have earned it national recognition as an innovative leader in the development of career training and continuing education programs.

Kapsalis said she will focus on several priorities during her new term on the board, including:

• Aligning workforce training programs with the needs of local industries, to ensure that Vermonters have the skills necessary for available jobs.

• Advocate for the development of more preparatory programs focused on high school students, information-sharing and ensuring they are well-prepared for future job opportunities in health care professions.

• Improving connections between job seekers and employers, making it easier for individuals to find meaningful employment in their communities.

• Supporting initiatives that encourage lifelong learning and upskilling, ensuring that the state’s workforce remains adaptable and resilient in the face of technological advancements.

“I speak from the heart as a parent of two kids, one of whom graduated high school last year and another who is graduating from University of Vermont this year,” she said. “We must do more to inform students about the options open to them, provide them with accessible pathways to rewarding careers, and partner with our education system to develop the young talent that grows up each year across Vermont.”

Sunny Eappen, MD, MBA, president and chief executive officer of UVM Health Network, called the board’s work critical to Vermont’s short- and long-term economic health and said Kapsalis would continue to make a positive impact for employers and job seekers across the state.

 “Becky’s focus on collaboration and innovation, her tireless advocacy in support of students and her deep understanding of our state’s workforce challenges make her an essential leader in this work,” said Dr. Eappen. “As one of Vermont’s leading employers, we are proud to support workers and employers as we develop solutions to this longstanding challenge.”

Kapsalis joined the health system in 2011, as a talent acquisition manager at University of Vermont Medical Center. Prior to that, she had served as director of human resources and a member of the senior leadership team at Magic Hat Brewing Company; human resources manager at The Howard Center for Human Services; and a member of the human resources team at Country Home Products, Inc.