Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | June 8, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 15 Rozanna Penney President & CEO Heywood Healthcare, in Gardner Age: 45 Employees: 1,858 Annual revenue: $260 million Penney leads one of the few remaining indepen- dent hospital systems in Central Massachusetts, serving a largely rural region facing persistent healthcare and financial pressures. Since 2025, Hey- wood Healthcare returned to profitability, expanded primary care access in the Athol area, increased in- patient mental health admissions by 56%, delivered more than 6,000 school-based counseling sessions, and handled more than 40,000 emergency depart- ment visits systemwide. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I have a great team, best-in-class medical staff, truly amazing employees, and a wonderful community that values access to health care locally. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Do not hide from difficult con- versations in favor of popularity. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Be- cause there is a true sense of community here. What is your favorite book on leadership? Ev- erything by Patrick Lencioni, Brené Brown, Adam Grant, and Simon Sinek How do you unwind? Walk with my dogs. Matt Salmon President & CEO SALMON Health and Retirement, in Milford Age: 55 Annual revenue: $124 million Salmon leads one of Central Massachusetts' largest senior care organizations, providing ser- vices ranging from independent living to hospice care. Aer navigating the severe challenges facing the senior care sector during and aer the COVID pandemic, SALMON has rebounded strongly, with net operating income increasing 136% since 2022. Salmon is overseeing the transition of the third-gen- eration family business while developing a long- term growth strategy for the company. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from oth- ers? We have a policy that routine communication happens between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. I want staff disconnected from work when they're home. It reduces burnout and improves productivity. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? SALMON was founded in Northborough in 1952 by my grandparents, and I was born and raised here. Central Massachusetts is a great place to do business and raise a family. What is your favorite book on leadership? "Ser- vant Leader" by James Autry How do you unwind? I'm an avid cyclist and skier. Amie Shei President & CEO The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, in Worcester Age: 45 Employees: 4 Total financial assets: $90 million (at end of 2024) Annual community disbursements: $3 million Shei oversees one of the region's most influential philanthropic organizations, directing millions of dollars toward improving community health outcomes. rough grantmaking, advocacy, and convening efforts, e Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts has invested more than $1 million each in school-based mental health, food-as-med- icine, and early education initiatives. Shei is now focused on expanding those investments into un- derserved communities across the region. - B.K. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Leaders should spend time with the constituents they serve to ensure their interests and perspectives remain at the center of decision-making. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? It is a wonderful region with tremendous assets and a highly collaborative spirit. How do you unwind? I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, whether skiing, hiking, or biking. Beth Helenius Vice president of commercial sales Mass General Brigham Health Plan, in Somerville Employees: 833 Central Mass. employees: 19 Annual operating revenue: $23 billion, for all of Mass General Brigham Helenius finds herself at the center of one of the most consequential healthcare transitions in Central Massachusetts. As Mass General Brigham Health Plan acquires Worcester-based Fallon Health, she will play a key role in determining whether Fallon's long tradition of community engagement, nonprofit sup - port, and local partnership continues under the new entity. A longtime Worcester resident, Helenius has built her career around relationships with employers, brokers, and community organizations throughout the region. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I've spent my career in provider-sponsored health plans, building trust, listening, and creating connections that lead to solutions for customers and communities. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Make time every day to move your body. Prioritizing your health fuels your ability to lead effectively. How do you unwind? Running, strength train- ing, spin classes, and walking our Labrador retriev- ers with family and friends. Kurt Isaacson President & CEO Spectrum Health Systems, in Westborough Age: 70 Employees: 1,078 Central Mass. employees: 631 Annual revenue: $140 million Isaacson leads one of the largest behavioral health and addiction treatment providers in Central Massachusetts at a time when demand for services continues to rise. Despite industry headwinds, Spectrum has invested more than $40 million in capital projects over the last two years, including a $23-million expansion in Lowell. e organization awarded nearly $1.8 million in unrestricted grants to nonprofits since 2023. - B.K. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Meditation. Take some time each day to clear your mind and refocus on the priorities of the day. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Spectrum has provided addiction and behavioral health services in Central Massachusetts for more than 55 years. is region is our home. What is your favorite book on leadership? "In Search of Excellence" remains a classic, while "Good to Great" and "e One Minute Manager" offer valuable lessons on organizational success and management. Steve Kerrigan President & CEO Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, in Worcester Age: 54 Employees: 471 Central Mass. employees: 392 Annual revenue: $64 million Kerrigan leads one of Worcester's most important healthcare safety-net providers, serving thousands of patients across Central Massachusetts. Under his leadership, Kennedy Community Health has con- tinued expanding access to primary care, behavioral health, and dental services while maintaining orga- nizational stability in a healthcare environment that has challenged many providers. Beyond healthcare, Kerrigan remains a well-known figure in Massachu- setts Democratic politics and civic affairs. - B.K. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Learning something new each day is a great habit. at and expressing gratitude to those around you. Both are humbling and helpful to the leader and to others. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? We were founded in the Great Brook Valley neighbor- hood in 1972 and have been serving patients in Worcester ever since. What is your favorite book on leadership? "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius "Power is the ability to listen and understand, then act on it." - Beth Helenius, Mass General Brigham Health Plan H E A LT H C A R E P OW E R 1 0 0

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