Traci Nordberg
Lindsey Grace Whiddon
Traci Nordberg leads the workforce strategy as Chief Human Resources Officer at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, one of the largest employers in Tennessee. And while some may find that intimidating, Nordberg has found career satisfaction, in part, because of the size of VUMC, not in spite of it.
“With over 20,000 employees, it is hard for individuals to have a voice about their workplace. Being in the position to raise their perspectives as we set strategy and manage the day-to-day operations of a large workforce is extremely gratifying.”
For Nordberg, seeing other women hold top leadership positions in the departments of Medicine, HR, Finance, Nursing, Development, and IT at VUMC is what progress looks like with diversity and inclusion.
"Even in a workplace dominated by women, decision-making can still fall into traditional patterns. I try to be a reminder, constant but loud if need be, that traditional patterns can exclude some people from decision making or team building," she says.
Lindsey Grace Whiddon
And though she hails from the Midwest, Nordberg is enjoying the change of pace in Nashville.
“Nashville was in some ways a return to slowing down the conversations, listening more, and understanding the context and history in which existing models of work were created. Even if a particular solution is the “best practice” it doesn’t mean it will be immediately adopted without involving lots of stakeholders,” she says.
“As a place, I’ve really enjoyed being in a smaller community where people seem connected from work to school to other activities. I’ve really enjoyed experiencing so many interesting things that happen in Nashville from food to entertainment to the arts.”