Jarreau Named to Becker’s List of Chief Human Resources Officers to Know

North Oaks Health System’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2025 list of “Chief Human Resources Officers and Chief People Officers to Know.” This prestigious national recognition highlights outstanding human resources leaders in healthcare who are shaping strong organizational cultures and advancing workforce innovation.

With more than 30 years of experience at North Oaks and a clinical background in nursing, Jarreau brings a unique perspective to workforce strategy. Under his leadership, North Oaks has seen record-breaking improvements in employee engagement and retention. North Oaks achieved a record-high employee engagement rate on its 2024 Press Ganey Employee Satisfaction Survey—well above the national healthcare average.

"Jeff has truly transformed the way we engage, support and grow our team members," asserts Michele K. Sutton, FACHE, President and CEO of North Oaks Health System. "His visionary leadership has made a profound impact on both operational performance and overall morale. He is widely recognized as a leader who not only drives organizational success, but also fosters a positive, inclusive and empowering work culture. His ability to innovate and adapt in a changing healthcare environment underscores his exceptional contributions to workforce development and employee engagement.”

Jarreau oversees recruitment, employee relations, compensation, benefits, wellness and professional development for a workforce of more than 3,000 employees. He also oversees nearly 100 clinical affiliations and educational partnerships and is the driving force behind several high-impact programs building a sustainable talent pipeline for the health system. Examples include North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology, North Oaks Dietetic Internship and an accelerated licensed practical nurse program in partnership with Northshore Technical Community College. This initiative helps North Oaks medical assistants advance into nursing roles.

“Being recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review is a tremendous honor, but what means the most to me is the opportunity I’ve had to grow and serve alongside the incredible team at North Oaks,” shared Jeff Jarreau. “This recognition is really a reflection of our team’s unwavering commitment to each other and to the communities we serve. North Oaks has been my professional home for over 30 years, and I’m proud of the culture we’ve built—one that values compassion, innovation and the personal growth of every team member. Together, we’re not just building a workforce—we’re building an environment that’s dedicated to making a difference every day.”

Jarreau earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and is certified by the Human Resources Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources and as a Senior Certified Professional by the Society for Human Resource Management. Professionally, he belongs to the American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration and the Society for Human Resources Management.

Becker’s Hospital Review’s editorial team selected honorees through a combination of nominations and independent research. The full list can be viewed here.

To learn more employment opportunities with North Oaks Health System, click here. You also may call the North Oaks Employment Center at (985) 230-1230 for more information.