LAKEPORT >> Sutter Lakeside Hospital is proud to end Women’s History Month by highlighting its strong female leadership.
Brenda DeRamus
Brenda DeRamus, Sutter Lakeside Hospital Human Resources Manager, is an Alabama native who grew up enchanted by the Bay Area.
“My uncle lived in Los Angeles and when he came home to visit, told me stories about living in California. I wanted to live in California for as long as I can remember,” said De Ramus.
De Ramus chased her westward dream when she moved to the East Bay to pursue her education in nursing, but later changed her major and graduated with a business degree instead.
“I changed my degree when I realized that I wanted to be a part of the decision making process,” said De Ramus. “I’ve always worked in healthcare, starting in marketing and moving into administration, recruitment, and employee relations, and ending in human resources.”
De Ramus, who worked for Sutter California Pacific Medical Center, accepted a part time position with Sutter Lakeside in 2012 to provide coverage for a human resources manager on leave. Shortly after, De Ramus accepted the position full time and left the bustle of the Bay Area.
“I welcomed the growth that came with overseeing all of HR, rather than just specializing in labor relations, for example,” said De Ramus. “HR can be a challenging role, but I love how passionate our Senior Management Team is. This is the most symbiotic group I’ve ever worked with. I’m proud of what we do and what the hospital means to our community.”
The emotionally demanding role requires De Ramus to focus on centeredness.
“I meditate daily to get my head and my heart in the right place. I am very conscious that what I give is balanced; I never want to present a hard veneer or use my position to be harsh.”
While De Ramus makes tough decisions, she views hard conversations as an opportunity.
“It’s rewarding when I can help an employee through a difficult time, or coach someone on how to make a seemingly negative situation a positive.”
As for personal inspiration, De Ramus credits her close relationship with her daughter for insight.
“She’s very articulate and creative. She loves to travel and always has a good book recommendation. I learn from her just as she learns from me. I look up to her.”
Family, work, and positivity create a fulfilling lifestyle for De Ramus.
“I’m proud to say I work at Sutter Lakeside Hospital. It’s encouraging to see the goodness happening every day. It diminishes the negative.”
Teresa Campbell
Teresa Campbell, Chief Nursing Executive of Sutter Lakeside, is used to a stand-and-salute greeting when she walks through the door. Campbell, a retired colonel, served as a nurse in the Air Force for more than 25 years.
“I was born on Ashiya Air Force base in Japan while my father served in the Air Force,” she said. “We ended up in Florida, where I attended the University of South Florida. I thought I wanted to be a doctor until I had to take calculus. Nursing was a better choice.”
Campbell knew she wanted to see the world, but didn’t want to lose seniority by moving.
“The Air Force was a good fit,” she pointed out. “My first assignment was in Dayton, Ohio. Some people don’t like the cold, but I found something special about everywhere I was stationed. I loved the people I worked with and being a part of patient care. There’s a saying: ‘Bloom where you are planted.’ I believe that’s true.”
Campbell’s assignments included Ohio, Illinois, Germany, Nebraska, Florida, California, Washington, D.C., and Montana, where she earned the promotion to colonel. Along the way, the Air Force sent her for her Master’s degree.
“There’s a misconception that military leadership is autocratic, which is untrue,” Campbell explained. “The military spends a great deal of time investing in its leaders. Leadership skills are not innate, so I appreciated all of the learning opportunities during my time in the service.”
After working for the Air Force Surgeon General’s office and at the Pentagon, Campbell decided to retire and return to her first love: patient care. Her retirement ceremony took place at the Women’s War Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Campbell celebrated with a month-long road trip before beginning her search for a civilian job.
She served hospitals in Mississippi until a recruiter called about a job in a small lakeside town south of Lakeport, and piqued Campbell’s interest.
“I told the recruiter I would be interested in the position and Siri [Nelson, CAO of Sutter Lakeside Hospital] called me fifteen minutes later,” Campbell recalled. “We clicked immediately and I thought ‘I could work for her’.”
The small-town life and community centric mission resonated with Campbell.
For Campbell, it’s all about patients.
“I love being a leader, but the highlight of my day is still rounding with patients,” she said. “Helping others is why I do what I do. It’s an honor.”
