New Hires
Diane Donlon, Manager, Health and Welfare Benefits
May 22, 2023–Please join us in welcoming Diane Donlon to VNS Health! Diane joined the Total Rewards team on May 8th as Manager, Health and Welfare Benefits. Diane will oversee the employee health and welfare benefits programs ensuring that they are best in class, with a focus on consistent and effective administration across the organization. Diane comes to VNS Health with over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, specializing in employee benefits. Diane’s experience spans various fields, including health care, higher education, and, most recently, financial services with Apple Savings Bank. Diane is a native of Long Island. She and her husband, Craig have three children, Meghan, Kerry, and Connor. Diane and her family are huge New York Yankees fans. She enjoys gardening, relaxing on the beach, and spoiling her 2 dogs. Welcome to the team, Diane!
Sean Vigilante, Member Communications Specialist
April 12, 2023–Please join us in welcoming Sean Vigilante to VNS Health! Sean has recently joined the Marketing team as a Member Communications Specialist, supporting the Health Plans, and reporting into Sandra Ossé, Associate Director, Member Communications. Sean joins us from Premier Healthcare, where he worked as a collection’s analyst, and The Daily Source, where he volunteered as an editor curating articles on major trends in global poverty, climate change, and human rights. His focus will be collaborating on member materials and mailings for the SelectHealth and MLTC lines of business in addition to leading and providing support on other member communications projects. Welcome to the team, Sean!
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David Jaramillo, Digital Marketing Specialist
December 14, 2022–We are pleased to announce the addition of David Jaramillo to the VNS Health Marketing Team. In his role as Digital Marketing Specialist, David will report to Cristina Melendez, Associate Director, Digital and Social Media. David will support the Digital Marketing team by taking on social media and vnshealth.org maintenance responsibilities which include reporting, SEO, and content management. He will also support the Provider Marketing Team with graphic design requests. David joins VNS Health with experience from multiple industries including fashion, entertainment, accessibility equipment supplying, and industrial printing. His previous role as a digital marketing specialist for Patriot Mobility, a medical equipment supplier, is what engrossed him in the world of marketing and SEO. Having a designer’s skillset offers David a unique perspective on content creation, consumer experience, and marketing strategy. David was born in Long Island, New York and raised in Queens where he has lived all his life.
Contessa Officer, Director of Veterans Programs
December 1, 2022–We are excited to announce that Contessa Officer has joined VNS Health as the new Director of Veterans Programs. Contessa comes to VNS Health with a wealth of experience working as an advocate and healthcare administrator. She began her career as an Applied Behavior Analyst and advocate for individuals under the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Contessa served as a Regional Director for the Willowbrook class members, and, later, with Tri-County Care to build their Care Management Organization. In her last role, Contessa was the Director of Corporate Strategy and Programs at CABS Health Network, where she managed their LHCSA and Medicaid Health Home Programs. She is a graduate of Howard University and National University. Contessa also served in the US Army Reserves and DC National Guard. Please join us in welcoming Contessa to the VNS Health team!
Caitlin Duggan, Director, Development — Direct Mail, Communications and Operations
November 10, 2022–We are excited to announce the addition of Caitlin Duggan to the VNS Health Development Team. As Director, Development — Direct Mail, Communications and Operations, Caitlin will be responsible for driving our success in Direct Mail fundraising, leading donor communications of our charitable care and community benefit programs, and partnering with colleagues across the organization on Development operations. Caitlin comes to us with rich experience in health care fundraising with organizations such as The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children Foundation. Caitlin will be a valuable addition to our Development leadership team, and we are thrilled that she has chosen to add her talent and experience to our efforts to support the important work of VNS Health. Alejandro Acosta, Development Associate and Cori Linville, Department Coordinator will both report into Caitlin. Please join us in welcoming Caitlin to the VNS Health team!
Corinne Shaw, HR Generalist
October 26, 2022–Please welcome Corinne Shaw who has joined VNS Health’s People Support Team as an HR Generalist. Corinne will be reporting to Sharon Braun, Director, HRBP People Support. Corrine is a customer-focused and results-oriented Human Resources professional with broad experience across multiple HR functions. Corinne joins us from the Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs (NAICA), a nonprofit organization that partners with the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) to provide shelters to the homeless population throughout NYC. She began her HR career in the healthcare industry 15 years ago and has since worked in the finance, technology, and social services industries. Corinne is adept at building strong relationships with internal and external clients, which has contributed to her serving as a trusted key advisor to them. Corinne was born and raised in the Harlem neighborhood of New York and currently resides in the Bronx. Corinne enjoys all things self-care, writing, and fashion.
Melanie Zimbelmann, HR Generalist
October 26, 2022–Please give a warm welcome to Melanie Zimbelmann, HR Generalist, who joins our People Support team. Melanie will be reporting to Sandra Smith-Edwards, Director HR, Business Partner. Melanie will support VNS Health Health Plans, where she will partner with the business unit to broker HR solutions designed to improve and enhance the employee experience. She will also provide general Human Resources services, such as identifying and clarifying performance problems, and coaching and counseling managers and employees. Melanie was previously an HR Manager, Onboarding & Training at EHE Health, where she conducted thorough and confidential investigations of employee relation concerns, recommended appropriate resolution of complaints, and monitored results. Melanie received her BS in Human Resources Management from SUNY Oswego and her SHRM Certified Professional Certificate from the Society of Human Resources Management. Outside of work, Melanie enjoys spending time with family, exploring new restaurants, and going to the beach. Melanie is
Matthew Driscoll, Director of Labor and Employee Relations
October 26, 2022–We are delighted to announce a new member to the Human Resources team! Please join us in welcoming Matthew Driscoll to the team! Matthew is our new Director of Labor & Employee Relations. Matthew began his career with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations and has experience in the both the private and public sectors. Matt served as Director of Labor Relations for NYC Health + Hospitals, MTA Metro-North, and, most recently, at New York University. He is a graduate of Fairfield University and St. John’s University School of Law. Welcome to VNS Health!
Angie Chen, Marketing Coordinator
October 20, 2022–We are pleased to announce the addition of Angie Chen to the VNS Health Marketing Team. In her role as Marketing Coordinator, Angie will report to Ashleigh Bello, Marketing Manager, and provide a much-needed support arm for the Provider Marketing Team in the areas of collateral, presentations, promotional items, budget/administrative support, and more! In just her short time at VNS Health, Angie has already made an impact – taking a hands-on approach in the collateral rebrand workgroup initiative. Angie was born and raised in Brooklyn, so is a New Yorker through and through! She left the city briefly to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media (with a minor in Film & TV!) at the University of Michigan. But now she’s back and excited to see where her professional career takes her in the place she calls home. Angie’s interests include watching movies, swimming, and going to concerts. Welcome
Galli Aizenman, Associate Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations
October 13, 2022–We are pleased to announce the addition of Galli Aizenman to the VNS Health Development Team. As Associate Director, Foundation and Corporate Relations, Galli will work directly with Jacqueline Halpern, Director, Foundation & Corporate Relations, to continue building our grant funding portfolio and strategic relationships. Galli comes to us with a rich background in foundation relations with organizations such as Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, The Atlantic Philanthropies, Fountain House, and The Avi Chai Foundation. A graduate of Brandeis University (BA, Psychology and Sociology) and the Nonprofit Leadership Executive Education Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Galli will be a valuable addition to our Development Team, and we are delighted that she has chosen to add her talent and experience to our efforts to support the important work of VNS Health. Welcome to the team!
Jonathan Shabshaikhes, Associate Director, Government Affairs
September 1, 2022–Jonathan Shabshaikhes (SHAB-shy-hess) has joined VNS Health as an Associate Director in Government Affairs. Jonathan was born and raised in Coney Island, Brooklyn, New York. For the past seven years, he has worked in government and politics across New York. Most recently he has served as the Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for New York State Attorney General Letitia James. In this role he has focused on building relationships with key stakeholders, advancing the Office’s agenda, and representing the Attorney General externally. Prior to this, he served under Letitia James in the Office of the New York City Public Advocate as Intergovernmental Affairs Coordinator and Jewish Liaison. Additionally, Jonathan spent two years in the New York City Council as Legislative Director. He played a crucial role in policy making for the Deputy Leader and helped pass multiple pieces of legislation including the regulation of hookah smoking in New York City