Executive Profiles: Steve Eller and Dr. Shelly Harkins
Steve Eller
Beacon Chief Human Resource Officer
When Steve Eller joined Beacon in 2012 to lead Human Resources, it was his first venture into the world of health care. A native of Osceola with more than 30 years of HR experience in manufacturing and corporate environments, Steve was attracted to the culture, mission and dedication of the people at Beacon.
Steve with his grown children, Elizabeth and Michael.
He is passionate about bringing the employment brand “Beacon – the Career Destination” to life. For Steve, it’s about demonstrating Beacon as the premier employer of the region and the state, becoming a magnet for talent by bringing the best and brightest to our organization and developing the existing workforce to support the growth of Beacon.
As Chief Human Resource Officer, he oversees Talent Strategy, Total Rewards, Associate Relations and the Beacon Academy. So what exactly does that mean?
Talent Strategy includes recruitment of new associates, developing relationships with key universities, professional development and succession development. Total Rewards oversees benefit programs (insurance, retirement, LiGHT, Beacon Balance, EAP, PTO programs), Human Resource Information Systems (People Soft, Active Staffer, NetLearning, Health Care Source, Circle Wellness), compensation programs, as well as the two associate health clinics located in Elkhart General and Memorial Hospital. Associate Relations coordinates engagement activities and partners with managers to drive key initiatives supporting associate experience, customer experience and business success across all lines of business.
That much responsibility would keep many of us up all night, but Steve maintains a great balance work/life balance. The father of two grown children and an Indiana University graduate with an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University, Steve enjoys running, college basketball, woodworking and playing with his toys, namely his Jeep and Harley Davidson.
He also strives to make a difference in the community by his leadership on the Greater Elkhart Chamber Board of Directors, the Indiana University Alumni Board (past president), IU Distinguished Alumni Council, Enfocus Fellows and as an adjunct faculty member at Bethel College.
Shelly Harkins, MD, MHA
Beacon Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Harkins with her oldest son, Jacob
Beacon Health System broke new ground in its history when it hired its first Chief Medical Officer, Shelly Harkins, MD, MHA, in fall of 2015.
Dr. Harkins was attracted to the Beacon because of its innovative vision spearheaded by Beacon CEO Phil Newbold; the strength of Beacon’s position to be a leader in providing exceptional care to northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan communities; and because of the kind and generous people she encountered during her interview time in South Bend.
She came to Beacon highly regarded and highly experienced; she previously served as chief medical officer at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, Illinois. She was founder and Chief Hospitalist of St. Elizabeth’s first hospitalist program.
Her medical background extends to the military where as an Air Force Officer she served her country as an Active Duty Faculty Attending Physician and Assistant Professor at Scott Air Force Base Family Medicine Residency Program in Illinois.
Board-certified in family medicine, hospice and palliative care with special training in advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, Dr. Harkins also has a master’s degree in health care administration from St. Louis University.
Her clinical acumen suited her for roles as a physician’s voice and champion at administrative tables, leading Dr. Harkins to be instrumental in improving quality and safety for patients and in bringing hospitals together as system to improve the value of care delivered to patients.
Brought on at a critical time in the changing health care industry, Dr. Harkins is passionate about finding successful methods to navigate the journey ahead as health care delivery continues to be transformed and to working side by side with the talented associates that make Beacon so special.
Named as one of Becker Hospital Review’s “100 Hospital and Health System CMOs to Know” in 2016, Dr. Harkins does have a life outside of her busy, day-to-day schedule.
Identifying herself as a diehard lacrosse mom, she enjoys singing and playing keyboard with her band, “Leather Moose,” and “finds her center” when decorating her home.
