Legislative Roundtable (May 2026)

Legislative Roundtable: Healthcare Workforce Pipeline
from Education to Employment in Berks County
Join us for a focused discussion on strengthening Berks County’s healthcare workforce pipeline, featuring Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Sen. Judy Schwank, and Rep. David Zimmerman. This conversation will explore how to better align career pathways, expand apprenticeships and clinical placements, and improve local talent retention to meet the region’s growing healthcare needs. The speakers will highlight strategies to increase equitable access and reduce barriers to entry, such as cost, transportation, and access to support services, while addressing key policy priorities including funding for workforce training, paid clinical experiences, credentialing pathways, apprenticeship models, and essential wraparound supports. Designed for health care providers, educators, colleges, training providers, workforce development organizations and community partners, this event will foster collaboration and identify actionable solutions to build a more inclusive, accessible and resilient healthcare workforce in Greater Reading.

Speaker Bios:
Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack | PA Department of Health
Kristen Rodack is the Executive Deputy Secretary at the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). Prior to serving in this role Rodack was the Director of the Policy Office for DOH. Rodack joined the Policy Office in July 2019 as a William Penn Fellow focused primarily on maternal and child health policy and health equity. In 2020, she transitioned to an Executive Policy Specialist and later served as the Deputy Policy Director. Prior to coming to the department, she worked to address health disparities and contributing social determinants of health at the local level through work with a county health department and in various non-profit organizations. She is a licensed social worker and received a Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and psychology also from the University of Pittsburgh.
 
Sen. Judy Schwank | Senate District 11, Senate Health & Human Services Committee Member
Senator Judy Schwank represents Pennsylvania’s 11th Senatorial District, which includes much of Berks County. First elected in 2011, she brings a background in agriculture and public service, having previously served as Horticulture Agent for the Penn State Cooperative Extension before becoming the first woman elected as a Berks County Commissioner. In the Senate, she serves as the Democratic Chair of the Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee and is also a member of the Health & Human Services, Appropriations, and Game & Fisheries committees. Learn more about Senator Schwank and her work representing Berks County here.
 
Rep. David Zimmerman | House District 99, House of Representatives Health Committee Member
Representative David Zimmerman represents Pennsylvania’s 99th Legislative District, covering portions of Berks and Lancaster counties. Elected in 2012, he has a background in business and farming, working his way from a Lancaster County sales manager all the way to a sales manger representing seven eastern states, including Pennsylvania. In the House of Representatives, he serves on the Health, Agriculture & Rural Affairs, Environmental & Natural Resource Protection, and Insurance committees. Learn more about Representative Zimmerman and his work representing Berks and Lancaster Counties here.
 
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