Unity and Shared Vision

Where everyone knows where they fit in

Founded in 1978 by Rick Jackson, Jackson + Coker Locum Tenens, based in Alpharetta, Georgia, is committed to excellence in locum tenens healthcare staffing. With over 40 years of service and relationship-building, Jackson + Coker works to transform lives, connecting healthcare organizations of all sizes with physicians and advanced practitioners by offering top-tier service and customized solutions.

Since its inception, the firm’s values — putting others first, wisdom and growth — have been woven into the organizational culture, creating an environment where these principles are a daily practice. Leigh Ann Alacqua, division VP of talent acquisition, emphasizes, “A lot of companies talk about their values. We … live by them, and it’s something that is shown and spoken about on a daily basis.”

Jackson + Coker is dedicated to communicating these values, says Senior Account Executive Eric Remshik. “It’s about making sure that everyone understands that what we do is important. If we’re not serving with excellence, it directly impacts patients in communities who might not otherwise receive care.”

That unity and shared vision come from the top.

One Team, One Mission

President Tim Fischer “ensures that everyone understands that we are one team with one vision, and the goal is to achieve the mission,” Remshik says. “It gives everyone here a purpose, and that purpose is bigger than us.” This mission becomes the driving force even in challenging times.

The ethos of being one team and prioritizing others first is a deeply ingrained belief at Jackson + Coker. Controller David Kirkland, referring to his own team recruitment practices, emphasizes the importance of showcasing this cultural aspect. “I have four ‘teams,’ but we are one team. Being able to build a team that actually wants to strive for excellence means hiring the best possible people,” he says.

Knowing Where You Fit

This sense of unity is reinforced by the firm’s adoption of “Where do I fit in” statements, personalized declarations that each employee defines and lives by. Alacqua, who celebrates her 10^th year at the company in March, emphasizes, “Everybody feels and knows what piece of the puzzle they are to make our goal of helping those patients, communities, providers and clients. Everybody can recite theirs.”

The focus on putting others first contributes to an elevated sense of purpose within the organization. Associates are championed and supported not only in their professional endeavors but also in their personal lives. “The people here have really become like a family,” Alacqua says. “They have believed in me when I haven’t believed in myself. They’ve …championed me in so many different aspects of my life.”

Cultivating Continuous Growth

Jackson + Coker’s culture fosters contribution and continuous learning, encouraging team members to propose new solutions with the assurance that failure is a part of growth. Kirkland, who joined Jackson + Coker in 2011, affirms this philosophy, saying, “I hire people who are smarter than me, who may have a different point of view. If they see a better way to do something and it makes sense, we’ll try it.” This autonomy allows individuals to explore different skills beyond their job description, contributing to the organization’s retention of talent.

The safe environment for experimentation and the care for each other have left a lasting impression on the team. “I’ve never been in an environment where it was safe to fail, and people truly cared about each other, not just professionally but personally,” Alacqua says. “There’s just a lot of transparency.” The openness extends to acknowledging mistakes, sharing lessons learned and fostering an environment where risk taking is encouraged.

One of the Best

Jackson + Coker is not just a healthcare staffing firm; it is a community built on shared values, a commitment to excellence and a concern for the well-being of its associates. After his 14 years with the company, Remshik calls the Best to Work For nod validating. “To be considered one of the best places to work, it’s a real honor,” he says. “It just reassures what I’ve always known.”

People feel included, Alacqua says. “People feel like they’re part of something, and that what they bring to the table is valued no matter what position you are in the organization. We have titles but everybody is equal; everyone’s treated equal, whether you’re the president, you’re a temporary associate, an intern that’s coming in for the summer.” Alacqua adds that she has never worked for an organization that has worked so hard to ensure their associates feel heard and valued. “It truly improves their lives overall, in work and outside of work.”