Lydia McGhee
System Manager, Marketing Recruitment, Marketing & Communications Department
SSM Health
In short, what do you do?
As a member of SSM Health’s Marketing and Communication Department, I work closely with Talent Acquisition to develop and implement initiatives that attract talented clinical and non-clinical professionals to SSM Health across its four states of operation. In short, I develop marketing strategies and tactics that allow SSM health to connect with passive and active job candidates.
Your job combines two very dynamic fields—marketing and talent acquisition. What are some of the constants despite ongoing change and innovation in those areas?
My job combines two very dynamic fields—marketing and talent acquisition. SSM Health recognized the need to have someone present in a FTE role who has consistent focus on Employment Branding, which is the intersection of these two dynamic fields. I love operating in this space because it takes the principles of marketing and applies them toward ensuring that our communication is clear, transparent, consistent, respectful of candidates and present in the most appropriate channels. Operating in this space allows me to create innovative methods of attracting new talent to SSM Health and it also ensures that prospective talent has the ability to share feedback with our team that allows us to pursue continuous quality improvement in our recruitment processes. Despite change and innovation in these areas, the constant is that people have always sought and will continue to seek career opportunities that are rewarding and fulfilling on a personal level, and I’m grateful to operate in a space that allows people to find roles that are the best fit for their specific skillset, values and career aspirations.
What is your most satisfying professional achievement?
I am most proud of the U.S. White House internship I completed during graduate school. Out of an intern class of 90 students, I was one of three interns selected to intern in the West-Wing of the White House. I served as an initial contact for members of the press corps from international media outlets such as: CNN, The Washington Post and BBC. Upon the completion of my internship, I was asked by former U.S. Press Secretary Scott McClellan to serve as Press Office Manager of the Main Press Office and received a second offer to serve as the Press Office Manager of Mrs. Bush’s Press Office. I’ve achieved a lot since my internship, but knowing that my written and verbal abilities took me to the highest level of government and communication in our country, and that my execution abilities were deserving of a full-time role in the hub of our nation is something I turn to when I am having moments of uncertainty about my abilities and path.
You’ve participated in the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows Program, The Consortium for Leadership Development and the Minority Youth Entrepreneurship Program. Why do you think it’s so important to pursue opportunities with programs like these?
I’ve participated in the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative Fellows Program and The Consortium for Leadership Development and my affection with pursuing these type of opportunities began with my participation in programs like Minority Youth Entrepreneurship Program(MYEP) during high school and InRoads during college. It was through programs like these that I learned personal development skills and career navigation tips, and most importantly, I was exposed to African-American leaders who were thriving in every field of endeavor, and it motivated me to reach for the stars.
