A Focus on Career Development

On October 16, HHF hosted a leadership luncheon at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront hotel, offering corporators and board members the opportunity to connect and hear updates from HHF and UPMC Hamot.

Dave Zimmer kicked off the luncheon by welcoming new corporators and acknowledging those corporators up for term renewals. Dave is preparing for retirement and was recognized for his unwavering dedication across twelve years of service on the UPMC Hamot and HHF boards.

Jim Donnelly, a soon-to-be retiree from the role of Chief Nursing Officer at UPMC Hamot, chronicled the launch of the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot and the impact it has had both at the hospital and in the lives of students. The SON, he explained, provides a “pathway to professional success that is clearly laid out.”

Karen Morahan, Executive Director of the school of nursing, concurred: “The school is an opportunity, a launching pad that changes the trajectory of students’ lives and the lives of their children, forever.”

Briana Harvey, a graduate of the school of nursing and Clinical Care Coordination manager at UPMC Hamot, said, “The experience was a catalyst that led to an incredible professional opportunity for me.”

“We changed lives,” said Daria Devlin. However, the mayor-elect acknowledged our work is not done. “The future of our community hinges on our collective success in lifting up our neighbors with living wage jobs, providing them with safe, affordable places to live, and increasing trusted access to quality healthcare...ECAT, HHF, and BUILD CDC have been, and will continue to be, critical partners in this work.”

The luncheon was a reminder that building careers builds health. Programs like those at the UPMC Jameson School of Nursing at UPMC Hamot and ECAT provide the skills and support individuals need to take off into meaningful careers. This, in turn, benefits the whole community.

Allison Hodas was recognized for her years of service as a corporator officer. She transitions to a member of the Hamot Health Foundation Board of Trustees in 2026.