Dennis Hoover, Vice President of Human Resources

Many people think of the role of human resources as strictly the hiring of qualified employees. However, the needs of a successful, community-based hospital lead that function in a variety of directions. For Dennis Hoover, as Vice President of Human Resources, the role encompasses recruitment, compensation, and labor relations - all within a fiscally challenging environment.

"A big challenge in (the) healthcare human resources (field) is finding ways to provide competitive wages and benefits while maintaining fiscal responsibility," says Dennis. "Another challenge is always recruitment. Recruitment has its ups and downs depending on the supply and demand in certain areas."

In his tenure, Dennis has seen changes in the demand for staff in many areas, but remaining a constant challenge are the recruitment and staffing needs for registered nurses, laboratory technicians, physical therapists and radiological technologists. "Also a recruitment challenge," says Dennis, "is bringing physicians in needed specialties to the area. Even though most of the physicians on our medical staff are not "employed" by the hospital, we feel a responsibility to help bring needed physicians to the area so they can establish their practices and join the medical staff."

"When we recruit physicians we follow both the hospital's guidelines on business practice and also government regulations. We work toward a balance in allowing the physician to remain autonomous, yet also meet the needs of patients," explains Dennis.

A plus in bringing new talent to the area is the hospital itself, and the community.

"What makes Port Huron Hospital attractive to prospective medical and professional staff are the community, the beauty of the water, the excellent school system, and especially the hospital itself," explains Dennis. When candidates visit, I hear over and over again about the friendliness of the staff and volunteers, the cleanliness of the hospital and grounds, and the great attitude of all levels of people here - including the volunteers. Another attractive aspect for healthcare professionals is the local autonomy of Port Huron Hospital."

"Port Huron Hospital is well known in Michigan and beyond because of its designation as a Thomson-Reuters Top 100 Hospital, and also because it is an independent hospital," says Dennis. "Those who come here like the idea of decisions being made locally and having the opportunity to truly impact the local community."

"I'm proud of the people associated with Port Huron Hospital. Our top priority is to make every patient's experience with Port Huron Hospital the best it can be. Our staff strive to make every moment matter for our patients."

About Dennis Hoover: 

Education

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration for Ferris State University

Experience

• Previously served as Director of Employee Relations at Massillon Community Hospital in Ohio, and as a credit manager and accountant in Private industry in Michigan and Indiana.

Organizations, Memberships, Certifications

• Member of Michigan Hospital Association, Personnel area
• Past Secretary of Port Huron Businessmen’s Association
• Member of Kiwanis of Port Huron
• Active member of the Ohio Fishing Charter Association

Residence

• Port Huron