Worcester Business Journal

14 Worcester Business Journal | June 8, 2026 | wbjournal.com P OW E R 1 0 0 H E A LT H C A R E Lou Brady President & CEO Family Health Center of Worcester, in Worcester Age: 60 Employees: 462 Annual revenue: $67.2 million Brady has guided Family Health Center of Worcester through a difficult financial period while reinforcing its role as a healthcare safety-net provider. Since 2025, the organization secured approximately $938,000 in state funding, advanced expansion and affiliation discussions, launched major behavioral health and senior care initiatives, and serves 30,000 patients annually. His focus is on making community health a catalyst for economic mobility and neighborhood stability. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I combine long-term vision with operational realism. I'm comfortable thinking about transformational ideas while doing the difficult day-to-day work required to stabilize organizations, build trust, and move complex initiatives forward. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Leaders should create clarity every day. In uncertain environments, people don't expect perfection, but they do need honesty, direc- tion, consistency, and calm decision-making. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Cen- tral Massachusetts combines world-class institutions with strong community roots. Dr. Eric Dickson President & CEO UMass Memorial Health, in Worcester Age: 59 Employees: 20,653 Central Mass. employees: 20,416 Annual revenue: $4.7 billion Dickson leads Central Massachusetts' largest employer and healthcare provider through a period of financial and operational challenges facing hospitals nationwide. Since 2025, UMass Memorial has advanced its North Pavilion expansion, moved forward with a standalone emergency facility in Nashoba Valley, secured approval for proton ther- apy in Marlborough, and launched a $46-million campus expansion. At the same time, Dickson has overseen difficult decisions aimed at improving the system's long-term financial sustainability. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? As an emergency medicine physician for more than 30 years, I'm able to bring the perspective of a frontline clinician to my administrative role as CEO, helping navigate complex policy, regulatory, and operational challenges. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Leaders should talk to their teams daily and build a solutions-oriented culture. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? is is where I completed my medical training, raised my family, and established my career. Seema Dixit Commissioner - health and human services City of Worcester, in Worcester Age: 53 Appointed to her role in February, Dixit steps into one of Worcester's most im- portant public-sector leadership roles at a time when healthcare access, behavioral health, housing stability, and human services are increasingly interconnected. Succeeding longtime health advocate Dr. Matilde Castiel, Dixit is focused on improving communica- tion, collaboration, and coordination among provid- ers and agencies while leveraging her extensive public health experience to strengthen services for Worces- ter's diverse and oen vulnerable populations. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? As a seasoned and recognized leader in public service, I tend to have a creative yet pragmatic vision followed by timely, organized implementation to see that vision through to fruition. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Powerful leaders should prac- tice thoughtful and deliberate listening daily. is helps motivate and encourage staff while making them feel supported and valued. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Worcester is a very diverse community with a multi- tude of needs in the health and human services area. It is uniquely positioned as the Gateway City for Central and Western Massachusetts. PHOTO | COURTESY OF UMASS MEMORIAL HEALTH Cynthia Barginere Senior vice president and chief operating officer; president, community entities UMass Memorial Health, in Worcester Age: 65 Employees: 20,653 Central Mass. employees: 20,416 Annual revenue: $4.7 billion Barginere is helping transform UMass Memori- al Health into a truly regional healthcare system. Under her leadership, the system has expanded its Transfer and Access Center (TrAC) command center beyond its Worcester hospital campuses to Marlborough, Milford, and soon other community hospitals, improving patient transfers, maximizing bed capacity, and ensuring patients receive the right care at the right place and time anywhere in Central Massachusetts. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I consider optimism a leadership competency. When you approach a problem optimistically, you can see possibilities, innovation, and opportunity. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Gratitude. Saying thank you and recognizing people for a job well done helps keep leaders focused on what they can do for others. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? I've not worked in another place that's as connected to the community and as committed to caring for it. What is your favorite book on leadership? "Pri- mal Leadership" by Daniel Goleman. "Power comes from giving power to others. Building relationships, collaborating with others is how you get the most out of your coworkers, your colleagues, your team members, and yourself." - Cynthia Barginere, UMass Memorial Health

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