Early Careerist Spotlight – Shana Kettunen

Where were you at in your career when you joined ACHE?

I joined ACHE as I was transitioning my career from direct patient care to a leadership role. I had 10 years experience as a Sonographer and had just taken a new role as an Outreach Representative for HSHS St. Vincent Hospital. It was a complete change in direction for my career.

Where are you now in your career?

I now have 5 years experience as a leader and am gaining experience and confidence as the Director of Business Development and Telemedicine for my division. Two years ago I had the opportunity to expand my role and lead our telemedicine program. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to expand my career and gain new leadership experience in multiple areas.

How have you been involved with ACHE-WI?

Leadership Development Program

How has ACHE been valuable to your career progression?

ACHE has been valuable to my career progression by allowing me the tools to plan for a career in healthcare leadership and meet other leaders. I completed the Leadership Development program in 2017-2018 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience to network with other aspiring leaders, learn about their career paths and organizations. It made me reflect on my journey and also set goals for my future.

Who has been the most influential person in your career?

The most influential person in my career was my program director for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Northcentral Technical College. She saw potential in me and challenged me to continually look for growth opportunities. During that time, she was in graduate school and had her own career aspirations. I was able to see her passion and hard work. She inspired me to continue to work hard and not be afraid of new challenges. She is now the President at Mid-State Technical College. It has been fun to watch her achieve such great success in her career. It shows me that hard work and dedication can truly pay off.

What is something that you are working on recently that you are excited about?

I am excited to lead telemedicine services for my division. We are offering new telemedicine programs to multiple locations throughout Northeast WI and the UP of MI. It is fun to be leading a new initiative and be involved from the beginning to build it from the ground up. I am also excited to be on the WHA Telemedicine Work Group where we are working to help expand telemedicine in WI including expanding reimbursement for telemedicine services in WI.

Tell me about a hidden talent of yours.

A hidden talent that I have is that I love gluten free cooking. My husband and daughter both eat gluten free so I have had to learn to cook gluten free. I enjoy taking non gluten free recipes and converting them so that my family can eat them while making sure they still taste delicious. This includes baking my own bread and making homemade ravioli. My goal is to have people eat my cooking and not know that it is gluten free.