Director of Human Resources, Executive Leadership
Stephanie M. Calenda brings more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources, with a focus on healthcare, social services and public sector organizations. Her expertise spans workforce development, employee relations, labor relations and organizational strategy, all grounded in a commitment to building strong teams and supporting mission-driven organizations.
Since joining Wood River Health in 2021, Stephanie has led human resources strategy and operations during a period of organizational growth, supporting a diverse and expanding workforce while advancing a culture centered on employee engagement, accountability and well-being.
Prior to joining Wood River Health, Calenda served as Human Resources Director at Ocean State Healthcare, where she was a member of the organization’s founding leadership team. In this role, she designed and implemented a centralized Human Resources function supporting more than 300 employees across primary care, urgent care and specialty practices in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Earlier in her career, Stephanie served as Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations at Blackstone Valley Community Health Care, an FQHC serving Pawtucket and Central Falls, Rhode Island. She also held a Human Resources Analyst III role with the State of Rhode Island.
In addition to her professional leadership, Stephanie has been an instructor at Bryant University's Executive Education & Career Accelerator since 2013. She has also contributed to the community as a board member of The Children’s Workshop.
Stephanie holds a Master of Science in Labor Relations and Human Resources from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a minor in Sociology from Bryant University. She is a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).