Creating a Culture that Allows Science to Thrive
People Behind the Science series spotlights the people and departments that support the brilliant biomedical research happening at Wistar. In this edition, we speak with Jo-Ann Mendel, VP of Human Resources
How does your work as the leader of the Human Resources department at Wistar help scientists do their best science?
Jo-Ann Mendel: HR is here to support the science so that the scientists can stay in the lab and pursue cutting-edge research. HR, as well as other administrative departments, supports the science and the Institute’s mission.
Tell me about the impact your department has that people may not know. What would Wistar lose if there was no HR?
JM: HR is a critical department in any organization. Our department supports any and all functions involving personnel. We also ensure the Institute is fully compliant in all aspects of hiring, labor laws and regulatory requirements.
Can you take me through a typical day and the types of conversations, decisions and meetings that you’re having?
JM: No two days are the same. HR is never dull. I interact daily with my staff, colleagues, faculty, and outside consultants. One of my favorite things is meetings with new employees, I check in with all our new staff and faculty to see how they are acclimating to Wistar and establish a direct line to me should they have any concerns or questions in the future.
Break down your department.
JM: I want to start by saying the HR team is top notch! We have a lean, but efficient department. Everybody in the department has a specific set of responsibilities and expertise. Bernadette Foster, our benefits administrator, oversees all our benefits programs and works with our benefit carriers and retirement vendor. She is the front line for employees and supports them in enrollment into the benefits programs, answering questions and assisting with personal issues such as leaves of absence.
Mackenzie Ogle, our HR generalist, works with all our faculty and hiring managers on recruitment strategies for new staff. She strives to bring the best and the brightest talent into the Institute. She manages the employment process from onboarding to offboarding for all of our employees. She and I also work together on special projects.
Katie Lozier is our immigration associate and manages visas and work authorization processes ensuring legal compliance with immigration regulations for all our foreign national employees. She is the subject matter expert here at Wistar and works closely with our faculty and foreign national staff. While she has other HR responsibilities such as our wellness program, her primary function is immigration.
Kevin Richey, our HR associate, supports a number of HR functions. With a primary focus on onboarding and offboarding of our temporary unpaid positions including work-study students, unpaid interns and rotation students.
What’s your perspective on the advancements in technology when it comes to recruiting?
JM:AI is everywhere and we are only starting to scratch the surface in the HR world. We will need to stay on top of AI as it is likely to change some of things we do, hopefully for the better as well as presenting some challenges for us. I do believe HR will always be an area where human interaction remains essential!
How do you work with the scientists? Is there a time when you are most involved with them, or is there a time they need you the most?
JM: I like to spend time with new faculty coming on board to share how HR can support them. One of the hardest things as managers is running a lab and learning how to manage people. Most of our junior faculty are coming to Wistar because they are superstar postdoctoral fellows, but only a few candidates have experience hiring and managing people. HR provides guidance in the recruitment process and advises on how to put together a candidate profile and how to meet and interview prospective candidates.
I’m always here—my door is always open—if somebody has a question, concern, or wants to come and talk to me to strategize on a problem.
How do you create the sense of community at Wistar? How do you create an atmosphere in which everyone feels supported and Wistar is a positive environment in which to work?
JM: Respect is the key. Everyone needs to feel valued and know they are contributing to the Institute’s mission. I truly believe that Wistar’s work ethics and anti-harassment policies are not just documents that people are asked to read. Dr. Altieri has created, and I have supported a culture where everyone is respected. Being open and honest about those things are important. I am fortunate to have such a great professional team that understands the challenges of HR and the confidentiality that comes with our roles. I mean, we don’t always get to do fun things, we guide employees through sensitive often stressful matters too.
Are there any misconceptions about Human Resources?
JM: I always say we’re agents of the Institute. We must protect the Institute, and make sure employees adhere to policies, compliance and guidelines. But we really are here to support the employees and supervisors. Sometimes people are wary of HR, and I’ve tried very hard to create an environment at Wistar in which people feel supported and trust us—and that’s not typical of HR in a corporation or larger company.
Any success stories that you can talk about?
JM: We implemented an employee referral program, and we’ve gotten some great employees through this referral system, which rewards our employees with real money if they make a great recommendation that ultimately gets hired. It’s been a very well received initiative.
We also recognize our employees yearly for their dedication to Wistar in a “Years of Service” award that celebrates the longevity of people that have worked at Wistar. In some cases, it’s people like Bernadette and myself that have returned to Wistar after exploring opportunities elsewhere. This is because Wistar is a special place because of the amazing science, but also because of the people that work here that make it a unique organization. I always say, I’m not a scientist, but I’m here to support the scientists and it’s fulfilling to work for an organization whose mission is to cure cancer, infectious diseases and better humankind.