Rutland, Vermont, United States, April 2026 — Community Health has announced the appointment of Lesley Classen as its Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and nonprofit human resources leadership, Lesley will lead the organization’s people strategy, focusing on workforce development, employee engagement, and strengthening a unified, values-driven culture.
Her appointment reflects Community Health’s continued commitment to building a resilient and people-centric workforce that supports the delivery of high-quality, accessible care across the communities it serves. Known for her collaborative and empathetic leadership style, Lesley brings a strong track record of aligning HR strategy with organizational goals while fostering inclusive and supportive work environments.
Most recently, Lesley served as Human Resources Director/Business Partner at Rutland Regional Medical Center, where she spent over a decade driving HR initiatives across a large healthcare system. In this role, she partnered closely with leadership on talent acquisition, retention, compensation strategies, and employee engagement, playing a key role in strengthening workforce stability and organizational culture.
Prior to that, she worked as a Senior HR Consultant at UPMC, contributing to strategic HR advisory initiatives and supporting organizational effectiveness across healthcare operations. Her experience here further strengthened her ability to navigate complex HR environments and deliver impactful people solutions.
Earlier in her career, Lesley held the position of HR Benefits & Compensation Analyst at IU Health Bloomington Hospital, where she developed expertise in compensation frameworks, benefits design, and compliance—critical components in building competitive and equitable HR systems within healthcare organizations.
She also served as HR Manager at VSAC, along with earlier roles at Barry Callebaut, Carris Reels, Inc., and Legacy Marketing Group, where she built a strong foundation across HR operations, employee relations, and organizational development. These diverse experiences have shaped her holistic and practical approach to human resources leadership.
Throughout her career, Lesley has been recognized for her commitment to creating workplaces rooted in respect, transparency, equity, and well-being—principles she continues to champion in her new role.
Community Health is a comprehensive healthcare provider offering medical, dental, behavioral health, and Express Care services across multiple locations in Vermont, including Rutland and southern Addison Counties. The organization delivers primary and preventive care for individuals of all ages, supported by wellness programs, diagnostic services, and specialized pediatric care.
With a strong focus on community well-being, Community Health provides accessible and integrated care through its network of practices, while partnering with Rutland Regional Medical Center for inpatient services. Its mission is grounded in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care that supports healthier communities.
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