Joanne Ollson Joins ServiceNet as Human Resources Chief
NORTHAMPTON — Joanne Ollson has joined ServiceNet’s senior leadership team as chief Human Resources officer. Bringing more than 30 years of HR experience to the role, she comes to ServiceNet following its most rapid period of growth ever, having come together with both Pathlight and River Valley Counseling Center in 2025.
“This kind of change brings so many opportunities for learning and change, and I am happy to bring my perspective to the work ahead,” Ollson said. “When I came to interview for the job, I was really taken by the group I met here. It was clear that they were as committed to service as they were comfortable with challenge, which felt like a home run for me.”
Born and raised in Western Mass, Ollson’s first job, beginning in high school and continuing for the next eight years, was at the Belchertown State School, where she started in the kitchen before moving into recreation therapy.
“It was my first real connection to clients and fellow staff who had experienced the world differently than I had, and it made a lifelong impact,” she said. “In many ways, coming to work at ServiceNet has now brought my career full circle.”
Ollson completed her associate degree at Holyoke Community College, which launched her human resources career starting at the original Filene’s Basement. Learning by doing, she quickly took on some personnel duties there and returned to school to study the field in greater depth. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration and executive management from Bay Path College and later her master’s degree in human resource development from American International College.
Meanwhile, she was gaining further work experience, turning her focus to not-for-profit organizations, from Goodwill Industries to Bay Path College, the University of Connecticut Foundation, Noble Health Systems, Western New England University, and most recently as chief Human Resources officer for the Trinity Health Of New England community hospitals.
“People are vital to the success of any business or organization,” Ollson noted. “We invest in them by providing fair compensation, professional development opportunities, employee care and wellness programs, and by developing a culture where everyone feels welcome and part of something important.”
Ollson has carried her commitment to people and service into her board leadership roles at Springfield Technical Community College, the Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast, Ludlow Boys and Girls Club, and the town of Ludlow Personnel Board, and volunteering to serve meals at an area homeless shelter.