Worcester Business Journal

14 Worcester Business Journal | November 27, 2023 | wbjournal.com Green ends career on a high note at Kennedy CHC F O C U S BY EMILY MICUCCI Special to WBJ P aula Green has led advance- ment at Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center for more than a decade, and the exponential growth of its healthcare services in Milford, Framing- ham, and Worcester is itself a sparkling accolade. Kennedy Community Health CEO Stephen Kerrigan credits service expan- sion across four Kenendy sites, in part, to Green's fundraising and public relations efforts through an uncanny ability to tell the organization's story. "I shudder to think what we're going to do without her, but Paula's built a fantastic team of people along with a flawless reputation [for the organiza- tion]," Kerrigan said. Over the last decade, she's built a dynamic advancement department for Kennedy, overseeing the federal, state, and private grants and donations sup- porting the center, and she has managed public relations for the organization. But Green's reach far exceeds what she's helped build at the Worcester-based health center, reaching underserved people throughout Central Mass. Green will retire as senior vice pres- ident of advancement at the end of the year, rounding out 35 years in various high-profile communications and devel- opment roles at Worcester-area institu- tions. Starting as a licensed practicing nurse before transitioning to commu- nications, her work at large Worcester healthcare organizations gives her deep insight into the healthcare landscape and the needs of the community. In 1988, Green joined insurer Fallon Healthcare as director of public relations; eventually, she transitioned to director of public and community relations for Saint Vincent Hospital, and she was heavily involved in the massive undertaking of moving the hospital into the heart of the city in 2000, which Green called a career highlight. Green's skill at advocating for Saint Vincent during the years-long effort begun in the mid-1990s was remarkable, said Jack Foley, the now retired vice pres- ident for government and community affairs at Clark University. Foley chaired Paula Green Senior vice president for advancement Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center Locations: Worcester, Framingham, Milford Education: Bachelor's degree from Emmanuel College in Boston; master's degree in public administration from Clark University in Worcester; a doctor of education in organizational leadership and communication from Northeastern University in Boston Why did you get into the healthcare field? As a child of the '60s, I learned the importance of work- ing for the common good. Raised by a registered nurse, who instilled in me the power of good health, I pursued opportunities where I could make a significant contribution to the healthcare system and the communities it serves. What is the future of health care? Health care continues to operate within a tornado of debate. Political, economic, and social pressures remain at odds, which impacts our most marginalized popu- lations. It took a pandemic for us to recognize that health equity doesn't exist, and we must find a way to eliminate this disparity going forward. Career Achievement Award UMass Memorial Health congratulates on being named as Worcester Business Journal's 2023 Champions of Healthcare award honorees. We applaud your compassion and releness dedication to our patien and e communities we serve. Connie Camelo Director of Interpreter Services Richard Ellison, MD Hospital Epidemiologist

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