Northwell Health Build Lifelong Connections to Drive Recruitment

Streamlining Talent Acquisition

For Northwell Health, the alumni network acts as a "gold mine of talent”, significantly enhancing their recruitment efforts. By keeping former employees connected, engaged and informed, Northwell has a ready-made talent pool that already understands the organization's culture, values, and processes. The result? Faster hiring, reduced onboarding times, and quicker paths to productivity.

In the competitive healthcare sector, where specialized roles such as surgeons and operating room nurses are in high demand, time-to-fill and time-to-productivity are critical metrics. The alumni network allows Northwell to tap into a pool of highly qualified professionals who already know the ropes. This continuity leads to higher operational efficiency and more surgeries performed in record time—a direct boost to the bottom line.

As Patricia Brown, AVP Talent Acquisition at Northwell Health puts it, the alumni network is "a win-win" for recruiters who are measured on how quickly they can fill positions with candidates who will integrate seamlessly. Alumni candidates not only interview better but also require less ramp-up time, making them ideal hires in an industry where efficiency and expertise are paramount.

Strengthening Culture and Community

Beyond the clear talent acquisition benefits, Northwell's alumni program also supports the cultural fabric of the organization. Alumni often feel a deep connection to the company’s mission, values and community – in the words of David Gill, VP Enterprise HR Officer Team Member and Family Services, it’s like “they’re coming home”. But thanks to the ongoing engagement provided through the network, there’s also a sense that “they never left”.

Northwell’s alumni program fosters this long-term connection through various initiatives, such as alumni events, mentorship opportunities, and an open invitation to participate in volunteer activities. “When we speak to our alumni, they’re very excited about having an opportunity to stay connected to the purpose and mission of Northwell Health as well as to their former colleagues,” says Cheryl Davidson, AVP of Alumni Relations. This commitment to lifelong engagement not only benefits the alumni but also creates a cultural ripple effect within the organization.

One particularly powerful example is Northwell’s work with retirees. Many retirees are looking for flexible opportunities to contribute, and the alumni program allows them to do just that. Whether returning to work in familiar departments or taking on new roles, retirees bring a wealth of experience and continuity that benefits both new recruits and the organization as a whole. By leveraging this experienced workforce, Northwell keeps its alumni involved in meaningful ways, while also filling critical gaps in staffing and knowledge-sharing.

A Lifelong Connection

Northwell’s alumni network demonstrates that building an alumni program is more than just a retention strategy—it’s a forward-thinking way to ensure that former employees remain integral to the organization’s future success. By framing their alumni program as both a recruitment tool and a cultural asset, Northwell has created a win-win scenario where past employees continue to add value, and the organization retains access to a highly skilled, committed talent pool. Their alumni are much more than ex-colleagues: they’re a vital extension of the organization.