Biography

Jessica Peña is a highly accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in human resources, focusing on talent within the technology and medical industries. She has demonstrated a remarkable career trajectory, having held significant leadership positions in various renowned organizations.

For the past four years, Jessica has been a driving force at Atlantic Health System (AHS), where her key responsibilities have included serving as the Director of Workforce Management – People Solutions & Talent Operations. In this role, she led a transformative HR project management operational effectiveness team, implementing design thinking and agile practices to develop strategies and manage the execution of processes, programs, and projects. Her focus was on ensuring AHS’s HR teams and operations remain competitive and meet the evolving workforce needs of the business.

Additionally, under Talent Operations, Jessica oversees the Talent Acquisition Operations Teams, Executive Recruitment, Campus Recruitment, and the overall recruitment strategy, tools, and training. Notably, she initiated and led the establishment of the Campus Recruitment and Executive Recruitment teams at AHS, showcasing her commitment to nurturing talent and identifying top leadership.

In early 2023, Jessica transitioned her responsibilities from managing the HR project management organization to make room for the launch of the Talent Development Center. Under her leadership, the center aims to provide a comprehensive range of services and programs designed to support individuals at every stage of their development. From early childhood education to college, from veterans transitioning to civilian roles to career development opportunities for those seeking to advance in healthcare, the Talent Development Center is committed to fostering talent and providing resources to help individuals reach their full potential.

Before joining AHS, Jessica played a pivotal role at Verizon, a global telecommunications giant with $136 billion in revenue. In her role as the Associate Director for Recruitment, she was responsible for overseeing hiring strategies for Verizon’s technology functions, leading recruitment efforts in the US and Latin America, and managing Centers of Excellence for process improvement, training, and assessment and selection. She played a pivotal role in developing innovative solutions, such as supporting veterans’ hiring initiatives and enhancing diversity recruitment.

Prior to her tenure at Verizon, Jessica made significant contributions as the Recruiting Manager for Samsung Electronics America, where she established an in-house Applicant Tracking System and pioneered the company’s first campus program in the United States. Her career has also included roles in the medical industry, such as recruiting for Kinetic Concepts Inc. and working with staffing agencies to source healthcare talent.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jessica has a strong commitment to community service and non-profit work. She has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. since 1997, and is currently serving as a member of the Morristown Alumnae Chapter. In 1999, she worked as a consultant for the Private Industry Council, assisting individuals seeking to reenter the workforce. In the early 2000s, she worked part-time with temporarily displaced youth in Somerset County, demonstrating her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.

Her love for missions has taken her to various countries, including Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Nicaragua, where she has engaged in mission work to make a positive impact on communities in need. Jessica Peña’s dynamic career, extensive professional expertise, and her dedication to community service makes her a well-rounded and respected figure in the fields of workforce management and non-profit service.