SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Crouse Health says it’s establishing the Crouse Leadership Institute, which the health system considers a “major focus moving forward” as part of its workforce-development initiative.

“In line with Crouse’s mission, vision and values, this supportive framework will provide introductory, ongoing and as-needed training in leadership and personal and professional development for all members of the Crouse family,” the Syracuse–based health system said in its Thursday announcement.

Earlier this year, Crouse Health established a workforce development and training center to support its workforce–development focus for all Crouse employees, both union and non-union.

Its goal is providing educational and career-advancement resources and opportunities for its 3,500 employees.

Jeremy Freund, leadership and professional–development coordinator, will lead the institute. Freund has worked in educational services and as a bedside nurse for a total of 13 years at Crouse.

In his new role, he will help and guide Crouse Leadership Institute participants to accelerate learning, improve critical thinking skills, improve interaction within a team setting, and increase self-awareness.

Programs offered through the institute include future leaders’ program,transformational leadership series, leadership growth series, leadership coaching program, and community leadership and professional development training.

The format of the programs will include ongoing “lunch and learn” sessions, classroom and online instruction and discussion, and one-on-one coaching based on individual needs, Crouse Health said.

Crouse will develop additional content offerings based on staff input and feedback. The institute will support and complement the workforce–development activities that the organization is developing in collaboration with the 1199SEIU Training and Upgrading Fund (TUF).

“Our goal with the Institute is to invest in our current workforce and attract and retain employees who are passionate about the Crouse culture and want to develop or build on the skills and resources needed to become leaders within our organization,” Dr. Seth Kronenberg, president and CEO of Crouse Health, said in a statement. “We want our employees to stay at Crouse for their entire career. The Institute will give them the tools and support to do that.”