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Check out what our current clients are talking about. Management Team
Shari Dingle Sandifer, RN, MBA, Chief Executive Officer: Founded Avant Healthcare Professionals in 2003. The company is recognized for its innovative clinical programs offered to foreign educated therapy and nursing professionals as well as client facilities. Avant was a founding member of the American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment and Ms. Sandifer was the 2008 President.
Through the AAIHR she actively lobbies Congress for immigration reform to allow a consistent flow of highly skilled healthcare professionals. Prior to starting Avant, Ms. Sandifer held executive management positions for two of the larger international staffing firms, O'Grady Peyton International and PPR Travel. Ms. Sandifer presented at the Staffing Industry Analysts annual Healthcare Staffing Summit in 2007, 2008 and 2009 as an industry expert on the international recruitment of foreign educated healthcare professionals. She was a member of the AcademyHealth Stakeholders Transitioning Committee on Ethical Nurse Recruitment and is an author of the Code of Ethical Conduct for the Recruitment of Foreign Educated Nurses that was released in 2008. She presented at the International Council of Nurses Quadrennial Congress on the Code as a "Collaborative Model for Moving Forward". Ms Sandifer is a Board Member of the Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices and a member of the AONE Diversity Council. As a member of the Advisory Council for Policy for Sigma Theta Tau International she authored the Honor Society's policies on Nurse Migration and Diversity in 2005. She is an active member of the ANA, AONE and STTI.
Lesley Hamilton, RN, Vice President of Recruitment, Clinical Services and Systems Implementation
Lesley brings extensive international recruitment experienced to Avant Healthcare Professionals. She began her industry career in 1992. Lesley has worked for all of the major players in the International recruitment scene including O'Grady Peyton International, Assignment America (International Division of Cross Country TravCorps), Geneva Health International (NZ) most recently joining Avant in February 2006. She has a passion for the US recruitment business borne out of her own nursing experience gained in the USA in the early stages of her nursing career. Ms Hamilton has worked as a nurse in three different countries so offers a unique and valuable perspective to Avant's recruitment and clinical programs. It was while working in the US in Tennessee that Lesley first became involved with International Recruitment. Lesley has had experience not only working with the US market but has successfully recruited and places Registered Nurses into Canada and the Middle East with knowledge of these market's and processes.
Usha Strouse, MS, NHA, LHRM, Vice President of Immigration and Regulatory Affairs/Corporate Compliance Officer: Usha has been with Avant since its inception in 2003. An expert in licensing and immigration, she has spearheaded the JCAHO Certification process and has recently been designated the Corporate Compliance Officer for Avant. She has developed international relationship with academic, professional and governmental regulatory agencies. Her background includes 12 years of Senior Healthcare Management experience with a variety of facilities including Hospitals, Long-term Healthcare Facilities and Physician Practices. A Licensed Healthcare Risk Manager and Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, Usha earned her Masters Degree with honors from The University of Central Florida in Healthcare Administration.
Brian Hudson, Senior Vice President
Brian Hudson serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Relationship Officer for Avant Healthcare Professionals, Hudson understands the demands many healthcare executives face in today's competitive environment and educates prospective clients how Avant Healthcare's "international solution" can help build internal core staff, drive revenue, and improve overall patient care. "I am most proud of AVANT's 90% conversion rate that allows for clients to maximize ROI on every Avant placement. Avant Healthcare is committed in finding the right fit for our client, resulting in significant cost savings versus traditional travel, per diem or perm options." Six-Sigma trained, SHRM and ASTD certified, Hudson is a member of numerous Healthcare Associations & organizations, such as, the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment (AAIHR). Hudson brings extensive operational, human capital, marketing, and business development expertise to the organization. Hudson is also involved in his local community as a member of Leadership Orlando and previously served on the Economic Development Council for Bio Tech Development. Originally from Boca Grande, Florida, Hudson holds his Bachelors of Science degree from Florida State University and resides in Orlando Florida with his wife and their three children.
Doreen Noriega, Director of Human Resources:
As one of the pioneer employees with Avant, Doreen has been with Avant since 2004. During this time she has developed her career in International Recruitment. She has worked in most areas with Avant from Screening and Selection, NCLEX Program, Licensing and Visa Department, to her most current role as Director of Human Resources. Doreen also manages Avant's Transitions, Retention and Information Systems Departments. Doreen received her Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida.
Lisa Pennix, Controller
Lisa joined Avant in mid 2006. Lisa has over 18 years of accounting experience and most recently held the position of Accounting Manager for a division within a Fortune 500 Company.
Lisa received her Bachelor of Science with dual majors, Accounting and Finance, from Florida Southern College in 1988 and is currently pursuing an MBA from Florida Southern.
