From Entry Level to Senior Leadership: Allen Mills Talks about How We Foster Growth
Allen Mills didn’t start out as the president of Fresenius Kidney Care’s north division. In fact, his first role at Fresenius Kidney Care was a summer job at a dialysis center in Northern Virginia, where he worked on the floor supporting nephrology clinical technicians, biomedical technicians, and nurses.
“I also supported the ward clerk, followed up on billing claims, worked at a storage site at one point, and answered phones,” Mills recalls. “I did a little bit of everything.”
After college, Mills returned to Fresenius Kidney Care as an accounts receivable representative. He sought ways to advance within the company and, about a year later, had the opportunity to interview for an administrator training program.
“I took a leap of faith, interviewed, and I got that job. After a year and half, I moved to North Carolina and took a job as an administrator for three Fresenius Kidney Care facilities. That’s really where my professional career started.”
Dedication and Development Opportunities
Mills’ success is the direct result of his own hard work and the opportunities available to him at Fresenius Kidney Care. Many years and several positions later, he has seen firsthand the importance of helping employees achieve their goals.
“The tremendous opportunities I’ve enjoyed were made possible by leaders who believed in me and provided chances for professional growth and development,” says Mills. “Our emphasis on people development is one of the key foundations of our ability to deliver on our mission for our patients and achieve sustainable results.”
Now, as a President, Mills encourages all employees to seek out ways to grow personally and professionally. “When people ask me for career guidance,” says Mills, “my advice is simple: look for ways to serve outside of your current job responsibilities and, when given those opportunities, execute!”
Growing Our People — a Top Priority
Fresenius Medical Care North America strives to support a diverse employee population in which every individual has the tools available for success. Our robust personal and professional development opportunities include:
- Free courses through The Academy, our online library of educational resources that help employees meet personal and professional goals and even earn academic credits;
- Tuition assistance for job-related courses or an initial registered nurse degree;
- Partnerships with professional organizations such as the American Nephrology Nurses Association and the National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists;
- Financial support during times of unexpected hardship through ourCARES Fund;
- Well-being tools supporting mental health and a sustainable work-life balance;
- Rally, a free wellness platform helping employees earn savings by engaging in healthy activities.
This is just a sampling of the ways Fresenius Medical Care North America fosters employee growth at all levels. Mills’ story shows that it’s possible to rise from entry level to senior management by seizing the opportunities our company provides. “Opportunities are out there,” says Mills, “and you have to actively look for them.”
If you are interested in joining Fresenius Medical Care North America and making a difference like Allen Mills, check out our careers website for current job postings.
