Additions will bolster nonprofit’s growth trajectory, community engagement initiatives, and program operations across Maryland, Texas, and Florida
BALTIMORE – May 7, 2024 – Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD), a national healthcare workforce development nonprofit, today announced four new additions to its nationwide team. As the organization experiences rapid growth and success, it is actively expanding its team to meet the demands of its mission. In addition to these recent hires, DWD has a number of openings currently available with more opportunities forthcoming. The expanded team will bolster DWD’s community engagement initiatives and program operations to further its mission: to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors.
“It’s an exciting time of growth at Dwyer Workforce Development, and we are thrilled to welcome Karen, Brianna, Zsa-Shane, and Birdie to the Dwyer team,” said Barb Clapp, CEO of DWD. “Each person brings incredible expertise, passion, and commitment to our mission and the communities we serve, which will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and impact nationally. Together, we are well positioned to alleviate the nation’s severe healthcare staffing crisis and provide seniors with the quality of care and attention they deserve through our transformative and holistic approach to workforce development.”
Karen Evander joins DWD as Director of Communications. With more than two decades of experience in strategic communications, advertising, marketing and public relations, Evander will lead DWD’s communications efforts to enhance the organization’s visibility among prospective donors, partners and program participants, and effectively communicate its mission and successes to a national audience. Prior to joining DWD, Evander worked at C-360 Agency as the Director of Client Services. C-360 Agency was previously known as Clapp Communications, a full-service international marketing and public relations firm founded by DWD CEO Barb Clapp; Evander and Clapp worked alongside each other for seven years.
Brianna Linker joins DWD as Director of Operations. Linker’s background in operational management and process implementation will be key in ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of DWD’s external and internal programs and initiatives. Working closely with CEO Barb Clapp and COO Maria Darby, her leadership will be integral as DWD continues to expand nationally with plans to support and train more than 3,570 Dwyer Scholars across three states in 2024.
Zsa-Shane Smith joins DWD as Maryland Community Engagement Coordinator. Smith is a seasoned customer service professional with a passion for community outreach and engagement. She will spearhead initiatives to foster relationships with local organizations, provider partners, and communities across Maryland to ensure that DWD’s programs and services are as accessible and impactful to as many people as possible.
Birdie Franklin joins DWD as Texas Community Engagement Coordinator. Franklin is a dedicated advocate for community development and healthcare access. Franklin’s expertise in driving community-focused initiatives will be instrumental in expanding DWD’s presence and impact in Texas. With a strong background in reproductive care and family support, Franklin will help further DWD’s mission of providing comprehensive support to aspiring healthcare professionals from underserved communities.
For more information about Dwyer Workforce Development and its initiatives, please visit www.dwyerworkforcedev.org. To explore opportunities to join the team, visit DWD’s Indeed page.
About Dwyer Workforce Development (www.dwyerworkforcedev.org)
The Jack and Nancy Dwyer Workforce Development Center, Inc. is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors. Dwyer Workforce Development was established in 2021 by Jack Dwyer, his wife, Nancy, and their daughters, Emily, and Kelsey. A businessman, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Dwyer owns CFG, a full-service provider of comprehensive financing solutions for the national healthcare industry and multifamily industry, and CFG Bank. With his presence in the industry and commitment to changing the lives of others, Dwyer is redefining what it means to give back by creating new career opportunities for those who lack opportunity, reducing healthcare staff shortages, and improving senior care, all in one.
