With more than two decades of experience in human resources, Colin McDonald has helped influence business strategy and talent development across multiple organizations. His work has contributed to building high-performing teams and strengthening competitive advantage, making him a respected voice in the HR field.
Colin serves on the executive leadership team and holds the role of diversity and inclusion officer. He is an active member of the NAACP of Broward County and belongs to Kappa Alpha Psi, one of the nation’s oldest historically Black fraternities. Within his organization, he launched the Spirit Squad to elevate employee engagement and championed the development of the online company store.
Before joining Cross Country Healthcare, Colin held senior roles at Carnival Cruise Lines, RandCol Staffing, and Citrix. He completed his bachelor’s degree at the State University of New York and earned a master’s degree from Mercy College.
Inspiration Behind His First Step
Colin bases his personal philosophy on four themes: competition, adaptability, achievement, and courage. He views himself as inherently competitive and driven to be the best. Adaptability allows him to adjust his approach as challenges evolve, helping him uncover opportunities even in difficult situations. Achievement fuels his internal motivation, while courage shapes how he leads.
“Courage gives you the confidence to step forward, take decisive action, and stand by what you believe,” he says. These values helped him take leaps others may hesitate to make. He notes that many leaders avoid risk because they fear failure. In his view, a real leader understands setbacks are part of the process. Confidence, he adds, should never be mistaken for arrogance.
Entering the HR Field
Colin began his career in social services and did not initially consider human resources. During his graduate studies, an OD professor encouraged him to explore HR. Shortly after, he interviewed for a recruiting role in Manhattan. Even without direct experience, the hiring manager saw his drive and potential.
To prepare, Colin spent hours at Barnes & Noble studying HR books, starting with Human Resources Kit for Dummies. He immersed himself in the fundamentals to supplement his lack of experience. His first HR role as a recruiter became deeply rewarding because he could see the direct impact of bringing new talent into an organization.
Over time, his contributions have been widely recognized. He was featured in American Healthcare Leader in 2020 for an article titled “What Excellence Looks Like.” One of his most meaningful recognitions came in 2018, when he received the Apogee Award from South Florida Business & Wealth Magazine for his leadership as a senior HR executive.
Turning Challenges into Leadership Moments
Colin approaches challenges as opportunities for advancement. Earlier in his career, New York-Presbyterian Hospital offered him a promotion into a role previously held by a white colleague—at a lower salary. When he questioned the disparity, his supervisor told him, “If you don’t take this job, you’ll stay a Black recruiter. If you take it, you’ll be a Black manager, one of the few Black leaders in HR in New York City.”
That conversation shaped his perspective and fueled his mission to break barriers. Today at Cross Country Healthcare, he uses those lessons to elevate talent, refine culture, and strengthen the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Cross Country Healthcare
Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. (Nasdaq: CCRN) is a leading workforce solutions provider with more than 36 years of experience. The company delivers technology-enabled staffing, recruitment, and advisory services to help clients solve complex labor challenges and maintain high standards of care.
Colin notes that Cross Country Locums, its locum tenens division, has been certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance since 2001. The company was also the first publicly traded staffing firm to earn Joint Commission Certification and continues to hold its Letter of Distinction.
Cross Country Healthcare has earned recognition as a top staffing and recruiting employer for women and has received the Top Workplaces USA award for two years in a row. Energage recently honored the company with a Top Workplaces Award for Innovation and Leadership. Diversity, equality, and inclusion sit at the core of its social responsibility focus, strengthening relationships with employees, communities, and shareholders.
Helping Redefine the Industry
Innovation has long driven growth at Cross Country. As the industry evolves, Colin’s influence in talent development has supported HR transformation across multiple organizations. He is an active member of SHRM, the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources, and the Staffing Management Association of South Florida.
He sees his greatest legacy in the leaders he has helped develop. “Watching young professionals grow into dynamic HR leaders and knowing I contributed to that journey is one of the most rewarding parts of my career,” he says.
How Colin Defines Success
Colin believes success is deeply personal. It is not about comparisons but about growth, learning, and the journey itself. “If I can say I’ve done my very best, regardless of the outcome, then I’ve succeeded,” he says. For him, mentorship is central. Seeing his team advance in their careers is one of his greatest markers of achievement.
A Vision for the Future
Colin hopes to see Cross Country Healthcare recognized as the industry’s most well-balanced company. Integrity, honesty, and a commitment to excellence guide his vision. He credits the organization’s strong culture—inclusive, supportive, and high performing—for positioning Cross Country as an employer of choice.
With strong backing from CEO John Martins, Colin has advanced several key DEI initiatives. He launched Cross Country Impact (CCI) in 2020, with a mission to create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and employees feel empowered. “Our purpose is to come together around shared direction and values, build a more inclusive workplace, and support our business and people goals,” he explains.
Aligning Leadership and Strategy
As Chief Human Resources Officer, Colin oversees a team of 27 and is responsible for talent and culture strategy across the entire organization. He partners closely with the C-Suite to ensure HR initiatives align with business goals. His portfolio includes employee relations, talent development, total rewards, HR technology, corporate culture, and engagement.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Early in his career, Colin worked around the clock. While his family understood, he realized he needed a healthier balance. He implemented a “911 call code” so only true emergencies reached him on weekends. All other calls were directed to trained team members he trusted.
Sharing responsibilities not only strengthened his team’s confidence but also allowed Colin to reconnect with family and protect his well-being. He still follows this philosophy today.
He motivates himself and his team by tackling challenges head-on. “If you put your heart into what you’re doing, nothing is impossible,” he says. His team shares that mindset, and they take pride in knowing HR contributes directly to the company’s success.
Looking Ahead
Colin’s plan for the future is grounded in integrity and trust. He aims to cultivate a work environment where collaboration and flexibility help employees reach their full potential. His 10-step action plan for senior leadership includes advancements in HR technology, leadership training, and increased accountability.
His message to emerging HR professionals is simple:
“Define your goals, seek strong mentors, refuse to accept defeat, and develop the courage to lead.”