April Doremus, Villa Healthcare

An Illinois-based skilled nursing provider has named April Doremus as its new vice president of engagement, the company announced Tuesday.

Skokie, IL, Villa Healthcare, which has 28 long-term care facilities in the Midwest, says its new leader will be tasked with spearheading a smattering of programs that aim to move forward its “employee-centric work culture,” while also bolstering patient satisfaction. Before stepping into the role, Doremus served as director of engagement and experience, and director of customer experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer sciences from Western Illinois University.

“We’ve always viewed employee engagement and patient satisfaction as integrated elements of the same fundamental strategic objective,” Villa Healthcare’s CEO Mark Berger said in an announcement of the hire. “When our people know and feel that they’re valued, supported and respected, they’re inspired to lean forward and exceed expectations. And at the same time, our patients benefit from a higher level of care and commitment. It’s a virtuous cycle, and with her proven expertise, vision and energy, April is the ideal person to lead us ahead.”