Alysia Straw, MBA, SHRM-CP, aPHR
Alysia Straw, MBA, SHRM-CP, aPHR, is an accomplished human resources and workforce development leader currently serving as the Acting Director of Programs at Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center (AHEC). With more than 15 years of experience across talent acquisition, training, and organizational development, she has built a career centered on strengthening healthcare workforce pipelines and supporting equitable access to health education. Alysia brings a strong operational lens to her work, informed by early roles in HR coordination and talent acquisition at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Springfield Hospital, and regional healthcare organizations across Vermont and New Hampshire.
Throughout her career, Alysia has implemented high-impact initiatives that streamline hiring processes, expand organizational visibility, and support emerging healthcare professionals. She has successfully reduced time-to-fill metrics by 50% through standardized recruitment workflows, led targeted marketing strategies to increase brand recognition, and developed content for innovative pipeline programs such as LPN and Nurse Residency pathways. Across multiple health systems, she has overseen full-cycle recruitment for clinical and allied health roles, facilitated new-hire orientation and ongoing employee development, and advised leaders on strategies to enhance culture, engagement, and organizational performance.
In addition to her professional roles, Alysia is an active contributor to the broader workforce and education ecosystem. She serves on the Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the RVTC Health Sciences Advisory Board, lending her expertise to community partnerships that support regional talent growth. Alysia holds an MBA in Healthcare Administration from Rivier University, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Alliance University, and multiple industry certifications in leadership, diversity and inclusion, and HR best practices. Known for her energy, creativity, and collaborative leadership style, she continues to champion programs that empower future health professionals and strengthen Vermont’s healthcare workforce.
• EdX Verified Certificate for Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles
• Diversity and Inclusion for HR
• Human Resources Management
• Notary Public
• SHRM - Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
• APHR, Associate Professional in Human Resources
• Rivier University - MBA
• River Valley Human Resource Association
• Order of the Elks
• Association for Talent Development
• HR Advisory
• SHRM
• Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce
• RVTC Health Sciences Advisory Board
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to creating meaningful educational pathways for middle and high school students. My primary focus has been helping young learners discover opportunities in health care through mentorships with medical students, hands-on exposure, and structured programming. I have overseen the MedQuest Program, enabling students to observe in hospital settings and gain real-world experience, and I continue to develop additional programs and mentorship initiatives that expand access and spark interest in health professions.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is my recent trip to Ohio, where I presented at the Health Educator’s Science Consortium. Sharing the benefits of early pipeline engagement with young children in the health care profession was both inspiring and affirming, reinforcing the impact of this work.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Alliance University, which has strengthened my strategic approach to program development, community engagement, and educational leadership.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is simple: reach out, don’t be shy, and actively seek mentors who are already doing the work you aspire to do. Building connections and learning from others’ experiences can open doors, provide clarity, and give you the confidence to grow. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or make that first introduction—your future opportunities often start with one courageous step.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are balance, connection, and well-being. I believe in showing up fully for my community and the students I serve, while also investing in the activities that keep me grounded and energized. For the past 14 years, teaching Zumba has been one of my greatest joys—it allows me to build community, support wellness, and bring people together through movement. I also deeply value quality time with my husband, and we love exploring Vermont together. These moments remind me of the importance of presence, connection, and finding joy both inside and outside of my career.