Worcester Business Journal

18 Worcester Business Journal | October 6, 2025 | wbjournal.com F O C U S OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN BUSINESS Ruby Pezanei Chief operating officer Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, in Worcester Residence: Marlborough Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology from Virginia State University and master's degree in public administration from Penn State University How are things changing for professional women? The face of healthcare may be female, but the power structures remain stubbornly male. Leadership roles sector-wide are still disproportionately occupied by men. What has changed is consistent awareness around gender equity, professional development, branding, and the visibility of the day-to-day reality professional women face. I am eternally optimistic progress will continue as we usher a new generation of professional women, who function as disruptors and agents of change. BY CHARLOTTE POWERS WBJ Editorial Intern W hen Ruby Pezanetti reflects on her career, she does not de- scribe it as a straight path, but rather as a winding road, one she traveled relying on principles of service, passion, taking risks, and being a lifelong learner. "I oen say I'm a jack of all trades, master of none," Pezanetti laughed. "Moving from function to function gave me incredible learning opportunities." Her career trajectory took her across the country, 10 moves in 10 years, including her early years at Nationwide Insurance, headquartered in Wisconsin, where she cycled through roles in under- writing, claims, marketing, finance, and compliance. She returned to Massachusetts to care for her mother. at transition eventu- ally led her into health care and public service, including leadership roles at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children in Canton. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was just one month into her position as chief operating officer at Pappas. "It was one of the most difficult times of my career," Pezanetti said. "But despite the challenges, we ended up with the lowest infection rate of all state hospi- tals; only one patient tested positive for COVID. at was a testament to the team's dedication." Today, Pezanetti serves as COO at the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center in Worcester, having joined the $62-million nonprofit in 2022. For her, it's more than a job; it's about making an im- pact for the community surrounding her. "I immigrated from Haiti when I was seven and actually received care at a community health center as a child. Now, I get to give back," she said. In 2024, Kennedy Health Center served 34,813 patients, including 4,409 refugees arriving in Central Massachusetts. Under her leadership over the past two years, the health center has opened two new facilities in Worcester and Milford, achieved a perfect score on its Health Resources and Services Administration accreditation, and developed clear career pathways for the 475 employees on staff. "Many of our frontline workers are women," she said. "I'm especially proud that we've built structures to help them move into higher-level roles. at's about creating real opportunities for growth." Pezanetti's professional success is part- nered by her dedication to liing others. "As a woman of color, I've had to prove myself over and over again," she said. "at's why mentorship is so important to me. I didn't have many role models who looked like me when I was coming up, and I want to be that person for others." Her leadership will leave a lasting legacy, said David Connell, president and CEO of YMCA of Central Massachu- setts, where Pezanetti serves as a board member. She makes contributions in four areas: partnerships, thought leadership, board governance, and leadership development, Connell said. "When I think of Ruby's contributions in the community, I think really of her ability to forge meaningful collabora- tions across nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors," Connell said. "She's someone you want at the table: someone who brings perspective, transparency, and accountability." At the YMCA, she's more than a board member, she has an engaged role in the community, he said. "Ruby shows up," Connell said. "I re- member one of the first events I saw her at, called Mission in Motion. It focused on cancer survivorship. Pezanetti wasn't just there to fundraise; she was there encouraging people, interacting with survivors, rolling up her sleeves. at's Pezanetti forges meaningful connections to better her community PHOTO | MATT WRIGHT

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