Lisa Walik

Lisa Walik is the Director of Benefits at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, where she leads the design, administration, and strategic development of comprehensive employee benefits programs for one of Florida's fastest-growing public healthcare systems. With more than two decades of experience spanning healthcare, insurance, risk management, and human resources, Lisa has built a career centered on improving employee well-being through innovative benefits strategies, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership. Her expertise includes benefits administration, leave management, HR technology enhancements, vendor partnerships, retirement planning, and employee engagement. Throughout her career, she has consistently been recognized for identifying opportunities to optimize processes, implement meaningful organizational improvements, and deliver solutions that support both employees and the organizations they serve.

Lisa's career began as a benefits analyst in Chicago's public sector and evolved organically through a series of leadership opportunities in human resources, risk management, consulting, and healthcare administration. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor's degree in Finance, she earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Roosevelt University while working full-time and raising three children, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA and honors. She is also a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) and serves on several industry advisory councils, where she contributes to discussions on emerging trends in employee benefits and healthcare. Guided by her personal philosophy of "Learn, Mentor, Win," Lisa is passionate about continuous learning, mentoring future leaders, and fostering collaborative, high-performing teams that embrace change with humility and resilience.

Throughout her career, Lisa has remained committed to public service and nonprofit healthcare, believing that leadership is rooted in integrity, stewardship, and helping others succeed. She attributes her success to staying curious, being adaptable, owning mistakes, and surrounding herself with mentors and supportive colleagues who inspire growth. Whether leading organizational change, improving employee experiences, or volunteering through community health initiatives, she is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. Looking ahead, Lisa remains focused on helping Sarasota Memorial Health Care System continue its remarkable growth while leaving a lasting legacy of mentorship, innovation, and service for the next generation of human resources professionals.