3RNET Board of Directors
Jessica Seel, South Carolina
President
Jessica Seel joined the South Carolina Office of Rural Health in 2018 as the workforce program manager. She currently serves as Director of Behavioral Health Initiatives & Workforce Development.
In her role as Director of Behavioral Health Initiatives, Jessica leads SCORH’s efforts to eliminate barriers to mental healthcare and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use within rural communities. This work includes suicide prevention programs, and collaborations to address substance use disorder (SUD) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Jessica is the program lead for the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP), a statewide consortium of partners to integrate behavioral healthcare, primary care, and the treatment of infectious diseases associated with SUD/OUD.
In her role as Director of Workforce Support, Jessica works to attract and retain physicians, advanced practice providers, and other essential providers to rural and medically underserved communities. She also connects students and clinicians to state and national programs that support long-term rural retention.
A Columbia native, Jessica received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Columbia College and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of South Carolina. Prior to joining SCORH, she worked in the healthcare field in various capacities including marketing, management and community education.
Jessica serves on the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) Physician Assistant Advisory Council, the board of directors for the Rural Recruitment and Retention Network, and the board of directors for Carolinas Association of Physician Services. She enjoys running, exercising, spending time on Lake Murray and cheering for the Gamecocks.
Nicole Breton, Maine
Treasurer
Brandon Carman, West Virginia
Brandon Carman is the 3RNET Network Coordinator for West Virginia. He has led 3RNET coordination in West Virginia since 2015, and this is his first term as a Board Member. Brandon joined the board to support the overall mission of 3RNET.
“3RNET is the cornerstone of the recruitment activities currently being administered by the West Virginia State Office of Rural Health. The platform, technical assistance and educational support materials help to ensure a robust set of tools is available to assist rural facilities across the state,” Brandon said.
Brandon lives in Charleston, West Virginia.
Ann Cranford, Tennessee
President Elect
Ann Cranford is the 3RNET Network Coordinator for Tennessee. She has led 3RNET coordination in Tennessee since 2003, and this is her third term as a Board Member. Ann joined the board again because as a past member she knows the board is always looking for ways to improve how rural recruitment is done and she really enjoys being a part of that.
For Ann, 3RNET means, “FAMILY. It is the one place to I can turn to get assistance on how to provide services to the facilities in my state and how I can help those persons who are new to recruitment. The platform for 3RNET is growing in a world that is recognizing rural recruitment as important if not more important than urban recruitment and I am happy to be a part of that. I really appreciate how the organization continues to make the process better for our participants. I am very thankful to be part of an organization that believes in helping the rural health community.
Ann lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Sara Leahy, Colorado
Sara Leahy is the 3RNET Network Coordinator for Colorado. Sara has led 3RNET coordination for Colorado since 2008. This is her second term as a 3RNET Board Member.
Sara was motivated to be involved on the 3RNET board to, “Provide leadership and support to the staff and members of 3RNET. I have a lot of experience, but also a lot to learn from the board and workforce leaders in other states. Being on the 3RNET Board of Directors is a great access to this information, while also providing a deeper level of guidance and oversight to 3RNET as an organization.”
For Sara, 3RNET is, “A true collaboration! 3RNET provides a network of individuals that all have a shared and genuine expertise, and motivation and passion to reduce the workforce shortage rural and underserved communities. Without having this unique access, my team would not be able to provide quality services and resources to continue building our healthcare workforce in our own state.”
Sara lives in Aurora, Colorado.
Marie Grady, Ohio
Marie Grady is the 3RNET Network Coordinator for Ohio. She has led 3RNET coordination for Ohio since 2018. This is her first term as a 3RNET Board Member.
“My motivation is the FQHCs in Ohio. I want to combat our recruitment and retention issues in the FQHCS and support our HR professionals with as many resources and trainings as possible to support them in workforce development,” Marie said.
For Marie, 3RNET means, “Employee engagement, recruitment, retention, workforce development, marketing enhancement and leadership development to help our partners become the best leaders in healthcare.”
Marie lives in Columbus, Ohio.
Trixie Lacas, Oregon
Secretary
Trixie Lacas is the 3RNET Network Coordinator for Oregon. She has led 3RNET coordination in Oregon since 2022, and this is her first term as a Board Member.
Trixie said of joining the 3RNET Board, “3RNET is the primary source of the recruitment efforts utilized by our office, the Oregon Office of Rural Health. Participating at the board level allows me to be a part of this continually evolving organization, and an opportunity to sit at the table where I can hopefully contribute to this organization and its mission.”
“3RNET is a strong community that is focused on serving the needs of our rural and underserved areas across the United States by promoting the great opportunities that are available in working within these locations,” Trixie said.
Trixie lives in Milton-Freewater, Oregon.
Judy Newton, Mississippi
Judy Newton is the 3RNET Network Coordinator for Mississippi. She has led 3RNET coordination in Mississippi since 2021, and this is her first term as a Board Member. Judy joined the board because she sees the 3RNET board as a unique opportunity to engage with 3RNET members for a deeper understanding of the nationwide workforce needs and play a central role in strategically addressing healthcare shortages and improving access to healthcare in rural and underserved communities.
For Judy, 3RNET, “Is a collaborative effort for employers, healthcare professionals, and the State to develop resources and training opportunities that support recruitment and retention efforts and build the healthcare workforce in Mississippi.
Judy lives in Jackson, Mississippi.
Brent Wright, Kentucky
Brent Wright is the 3RNET Network Coordinator for Kentucky. He has led 3RNET coordination in Kentucky since 2018, and this is his first term as a Board Member.
“The mission of 3RNET is what motivated me to become involved at the board level along with the encouragement of numerous 3RNET members. Now more than ever we see the importance of grassroots networks in assuring that our rural communities are well served with healthcare professionals. Life in a modestly sized community does not have to be seen as disadvantaged. Those of us who know realize that communities are the foundation of our country, and they cannot be lost. 3RNET has the infrastructure to make a difference in Rural America and if a difference is being made, that is where I want to be,” Brent said.
“My career has been in graduate medical education. Graduate medical education programs or residency programs are like the finishing schools for young men and women completing their medical education. However, a successful career does not end with training, it takes the collaboration with recruitment and placement professionals to make sure individuals are in the right place for their career, their lives, and enrich the lives of others. 3RNET understands that collaboration is vital to successful rural communities throughout the country. 3RNET is the champion of rural communities that does not need the limelight or the praise; however, it is important for those dedicated to Rural America that 3RNET be seen as the loyal advocate to the communities they serve. I hope that I can effectively contribute to the 3RNET Board over the next two years by serving the needs of Rural America and our constituents,” Brent adds.
Brent lives in Louisville, Kentucky.
Stacy Kusler, North Dakota
Past President
Stacy Kusler, B.A, CPRP, is the 3RNET Network Coordinator in North Dakota. She has led 3RNET coordination efforts in North Dakota since 2014, and this is her second term as a 3RNET Board Member.
Stacy was motivated to become a 3RNET Board Member because, “3RNET is a helpful resource for anyone new or seasoned in the recruitment and retention field. I was able to benefit from it as I started my job, and I felt I could contribute to the growth of the organization knowing the importance of the services and resources 3RNET provides.”
“3RNET is your team of colleagues who do what you do. 3RNET allows you a platform to learn and grow in your own job and profession, while helping shine a brighter light on what it means to work and serve rural and underserved communities,” Stacy said.
Stacy lives in Grand Forks, North Dakota.