'Thirst For Learning' Leads To Success, According To Dallas Health Care VP
As Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer at Parkland Health and Hospital System, Dr. Jim Dunn oversees the Office of Talent Management which includes the health system's human resources, Parkland Academy, diversity, inclusion and patient experience.
Dunn skipped grades in elementary and high school and at 16 graduated from the University of Chicago Lab School. Dunn graduated with a bachelor's in chemistry and macro-environmental science from Howard University.
As a research scientist at Georgia Tech University, Dunn worked with OSHA on hazardous workplace conditions. His first introduction into the science behind workplace and health was visiting over 300 workplaces in Georgia.
While attending Emory University for a master's in public health, Dunn worked as a regulatory toxicologist at BP Amoco Oil Corporation. His boss asked him what he wanted for his next career opportunity. Dunn responded, "'Something with people. It gets a little lonely running labs with animals and test tubes.' A month a later, my boss said, 'As of tomorrow you will be the regional director of human resources.' It was the best thing that happened in my career. I didn't know anything about it. My boss said, 'You're smart; you'll figure it out.' I was terrified. I went from zero people reporting to me, to 60 and I was the youngest person in my new department."
"People will often see things in you that you don't see within yourself—so remain open. No matter how smart you may believe you are, success most often will not happen without the help of others," said Dunn.
Dunn transitioned from science to human resources and earned a Doctoral Diploma of Advance Study in Teaching from Emory. Dunn stepped in for his boss at a conference where President Carter was attending. The President recruited Dunn to become the Director of Organizational Development/Human Resources for the Carter Presidential Center.
As the National Vice President of Human Resources and Talent Retention at the American Cancer Society, Dunn was responsible for 8,000 employees across 3,400 offices.
While earning a second doctorate in organization development from Benedictine University, Dunn became the chief learning officer at Texas Health Resources. "I flew back and forth between Atlanta, Dallas and Chicago every other weekend to attend class." Dunn earned his third doctorate in health care administration from the Medical University of South Carolina. Upon graduation, Dunn's mother said, "I'm very proud of your accomplishments, but I'm not attending any more graduations…find another hobby."
Dunn became the executive HR/learning officer for the Office of Learning and Performance Development at the Cleveland Clinic. Dunn was a consultant for Parkland Hospital. After submitting a proposal, the CEO contacted him and asked if he would like to run the new structure. Dunn now serves as the executive vice president and chief talent officer at Parkland in Dallas.
Dunn's advice: "You have to have a natural thirst for learning. Going back to school as an adult learner enhances the overall experience because the education becomes more meaningful through immediate application of skills."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com