Jackson Healthcare, the third-largest US healthcare staffing firm, named Jonathan Ward as vice president of corporate development. Ward will spearhead the company’s mergers and acquisitions as well as its corporate development efforts.

Ward served more than 20 years at Cross Country Healthcare Inc. (NASD: CCRN) prior to joining Jackson. His roles at Cross Country include president, chief strategy officer and VP of corporate development.

“Jonathan will be a valuable resource for our operating companies,” Jackson Healthcare President R. Shane Jackson said. “We are positioned to grow in both size and scope and Jonathan brings us the industry knowledge and relationships to get us there.”

Jackson Healthcare ranks No. 3 on Staffing Industry Analysts’ list of largest US healthcare staffing firms.