In the early 1980’s, the office manager introduced computers to the department but “they were huge floor models,” she said. “You sat at them and typed.”

In addition to secretarial duties, Jeanne also recruited and did orientation for the students in the lab tech school that the department ran at the time. As the years passed, she took on more and more of the department’s HR responsibilities. “I learned it all by just doing it.”

In April 1988, she was asked to become a bona fide member of the hospital’s HR team. She and three other people developed what would become the HR generalist job, which included handling staffing, benefits, and employment policy.  She was also responsible for running two major events each year: the 25-year celebration and the United Way campaign.  And there were no computers to help!

Jeanne is now celebrating 50 years at HUP.  Over the years, she completed a BA at St. Joseph’s University and then a master’s degree at Drexel.  She’s proud of the increased role HR now takes in helping management and employees become more successful in their jobs and provide better patient care.  Her position has evolved as well. As a senior employee relations and retention specialist, she supports management, employees and administration with policy interpretation, performance management and education with regard to all Human Resource functions.

“I’ve stayed because the job is extremely interesting. You never know what you’ll be doing next!” she said. “And I work with so many wonderful people.”

To view more photos of Jeanne’s 50-year anniversary celebration, click here.

Photo (above): Members of HR helping Jeanne Esposito (c.) celebrate 50 years at HUP included (l. to r) Andrea Mathis, Domenic Sanginiti, Pat Robinson, Judy James, Sharon McCrae and Pat Wren