Carrie Kolentus, who has served as Reid Health's Director of Human Resources for more than 20 years, has been promoted to the role of Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer.
Since 2008, Reid has doubled the size of its workforce, going from 1,754 employees to nearly 3,500 today. That growth -- combined with the organization's continued focus on employee satisfaction, recruitment and retention efforts, and professional development -- made the addition of a chief human resources officer to the administrative team necessary, according to Craig Kinyon, President/CEO of Reid Health.
"Carrie's promotion is a testament to her hard work and dedication to Reid," Kinyon said. "During her time here, she has helped the organization navigate the transition from a community hospital to a regional healthcare destination center.
"Carrie has led and managed with practical solutions and straight-forward handling of conflicts, all while being diligent and fair."
A native of Connersville, Kolentus is a graduate of Vincennes University and Indiana University East and has earned several professional certifications, including Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Kolentus has been a part of the Reid team for more than 25 years, beginning in 1997 as the Compensation & Benefits Manager before being promoted to Director of Human Resources in 2001.
She helped lead several programs and initiatives such as the implementation of Reid employee dependent scholarships, the addition of more than 15 new benefit offerings, the development of Reid's healthcare career camp, and the creation of the Reid CARE Bank and the Employee Emergency Fund. She also developed the concept for Reid's Shoes for Kids program.
"Carrie's promotion is a testament to her hard work and dedication to Reid. During her time here, she has helped the organization navigate the transition from a community hospital to a regional healthcare destination center. Carrie has led and managed with practical solutions and straight-forward handling of conflicts, all while being diligent and fair,” said Craig Kinyon, Reid Health President/CEO.
"I'm thrilled to take on this new role and will continue to do whatever I can to support everyone who is part of the Reid family," Kolentus said. "Our success is only possible with the support of a strong team working alongside us each day."
Two other members of that team also have been promoted, with Karen Martin now serving as Director of Employee Benefits and Calista Rihm as Director of Human Resources.
Martin is a graduate of Northeastern High School who earned her business degree from IU East. She began her Reid career in 2008 working for the Pharmacy Department until she transferred to Human Resources as Employee Benefits Specialist in 2013. She then became Manager of Employee Benefits in 2017. She is a member of the International Federation of Employee Benefit Plans.
Rihm received her undergraduate degree in interpersonal communications at Michigan State University and her master's in business at IU East. She joined Reid in 2011 and, like Martin, started with the Pharmacy Department.
She also spent time as a Quality Assistant and Telehealth Manager before joining Human Resources in 2015 as an Employment Specialist. She is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
"I'm confident I wouldn't have my new opportunity if it were not for Karen and Calista and the talents they and their teams contribute," Kolentus said. "Both have a genuine desire to do great work and help Reid be an employer of choice in our area. We are in great hands."
