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Charissa Raynor
Co-Founder & EVP at NextStep
Professional Background
Charissa Raynor is a nationally recognized expert in the long-term care workforce solutions, having made significant contributions in the areas of home care, nursing homes, and government. With a remarkable career that spans several key roles in this field, Charissa has established herself as a leader who not only understands the intricacies of the long-term care industry but also actively seeks innovative solutions to the critical caregiver crisis that it faces today. Her extensive experience includes co-founding organizations and initiatives aimed at improving direct care services, as well as participating at high levels in local and national workforce strategy discussions.
Charissa's proactive approach in tackling challenges within the long-term care sector has garnered her recognition and respect among peers nationwide. Not only is she known for her ability to orchestrate strategic plans that lead to growth and stability, but she is also celebrated for her dedication to empowering teams and ensuring that ideas come to fruition through effective execution. With an unwavering belief that the right team can make all the difference, she has led several startup and turnaround operations in the long-term care domain, positioning herself as a visionary in this critical sector.
Education and Achievements
Charissa holds a Master's degree in Health Services Administration from The George Washington University, where she cultivated essential knowledge in leadership, policy, and management within the healthcare landscape. Additionally, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, which equipped her with a foundational understanding of health services that has significantly informed her subsequent career decisions.
Throughout her career, Charissa has taken on various influential positions that have enabled her to affect positive change in the long-term care workforce. As co-founder and Executive Vice President at NextStep, she drives initiatives that focus on enhancing caregiver training and workforce quality. Previously, she served as Senior Advisor for Care Workforce Strategy and co-founder of CareTogether, a project at the National Domestic Workers Alliance dedicated to fostering better workforce solutions for domestic caregivers. Her commitment to improving economic opportunities and working conditions for caregivers has led to participation in high-level discussions as a Commissioner on the Economic Development Commission at the City of Seattle and as a member of the U.S. Secretary of Labor's Apprenticeship Advisory Committee.
In addition to her executive roles, Charissa has held numerous prestigious positions that showcase her expertise and dedication. She was a member of the Board of Directors at the Washington Health Alliance and served as the founding Executive Director at SEIU 775 Benefits Group, where she played a key role in expanding benefits and protections for the workforce. Her tenure as a Healthcare Consultant at CR Consulting and Program Manager at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, School of Nursing, provided her with further insights into the dynamics of healthcare delivery and workforce challenges. Through her earlier experiences as a Research Associate at LeadingAge, Charissa gained valuable research skills that continue to inform her work today.
Community Engagement
Beyond her professional commitments, Charissa is deeply invested in community welfare. She passionately supports the NGO Varanasi for Animals, aimed at helping street animals in India. Through this work, she demonstrates her love for animals and her commitment to ethical practices and animal welfare. Additionally, Charissa is an avid enthusiast of the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, spending her leisure time hiking and enjoying the region's stunning landscapes. Her aspirations to learn the shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute, showcase her appreciation for cultural diversity and the pursuit of lifelong learning, with her ongoing Hindi language studies further emphasizing her passion for broadening her horizons.
Achievements
- Leading Innovations: Recognized nationally for spearheading innovative solutions aimed at addressing the caregiver crisis in long-term care.
- Collaborative Leadership: Experienced in collaborating with various stakeholders to improve caregiver training and workforce quality, significantly contributing to national workforce strategies.
- Community Advocacy: Active in community initiatives, particularly in animal welfare; dedicating time and resources to the welfare of street animals in India.
- Lifelong Learner: Committed to lifelong learning through music and language, demonstrating a well-rounded personality dedicated to enriching her life and the lives of others around her.
Charissa Raynor’s journey is marked by her relentless dedication to improving the long-term care workforce and advocating for the welfare of vulnerable populations. Through her innovative ideas and ability to execute strategies effectively, she continues to be a beacon of hope in a field that demands resilience, compassion, and leadership. Her unique combination of professional expertise and personal passion paints the picture of a truly impactful leader making significant strides in the world of long-term health services.
