Rooted in the region for nearly 40 years, Health New England is a trusted, local health plan that understands and serves its community with compassion, accountability, and purpose. This is a compelling opportunity to join Baystate Health—a nationally recognized integrated healthcare delivery system and the leading provider in Western Massachusetts—as it undergoes a significant transformation under the leadership of a new Chief Executive Officer. With a 140-year legacy of service, Baystate Health is now shaping its future to meet the evolving needs of its communities for the next 140 years.

The next President of Health New England will be a key partner in this journey, with the opportunity to fully leverage the power of an integrated delivery and financing model to drive better health outcomes, enhance care coordination, and deliver greater value to members and communities. This role offers an exceptional platform for a collaborative and mission-aligned leader to shape the future of a respected, high-performing health plan within a purpose-driven, fully integrated health system.

  

As part of Baystate Health, Health New England extends this mission through its role as a locally rooted, not-for-profit health plan. Founded in 1985, Health New England now serves 185,000 members across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and parts of Vermont through a diverse portfolio of Commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, and Group Insurance Commission (GIC) plans. With $984 million in annual revenue, a network of 11,000 providers, and a 20% market share in Western Massachusetts, Health New England plays a vital role in advancing access, equity, and value-based care throughout the region.

Baystate Health is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system serving over 800,000 people across Western New England. With a 140-year legacy of delivering high-quality, compassionate care, Baystate Health includes Baystate Medical Center, the region’s only Level 1 trauma center and academic teaching hospital; Baystate Children’s Hospital, the area’s only accredited full-service pediatric hospital; three community hospitals; a network of more than 80 medical practices; comprehensive home care and hospice services; and full-service laboratory and diagnostic capabilities.

Together, Baystate Health and Health New England exemplify the power of a fully integrated care and coverage model—delivering coordinated, community-focused services that improve health outcomes and meet the evolving needs of individuals and families across the region.

Mission, Vision, and Values: The Baystate Platform

At the center of Baystate’s work is Baystate Health’s Mission Statement: To improve the health of the people in our communities every day, with quality and compassion. This statement describes why BH exists. It has stood the test of time since BH was formed in the 1970s. This mission is at the foundation of a new strategic plan, which is in development as new CEO Peter Banko identifies the ideal levers for success. While the Mission Statement identifies their purpose, it is the Vision Statement that focuses aspirations and will serve as the focal point for strategic planning. The vision statement is based on the mission statement and describes how BH fulfills the mission in today’s environment and how BH will continue to be a national leader in the transformation of care. The vision statement is: We enhance your life as a trusted partner in health; in short: Advancing Care. Enhancing Lives. This statement recognizes the importance of understanding and respecting the unique individual who is the focus of care and relationship built on BH’s culture of strong values and core competencies:

Respect: Honoring the dignity of all people

Integrity: Consistent, honest, and ethical behavior

Teamwork: Helping each other to thrive

Lifelong learning: Seeking new ideas and knowledge

Facts and Figures 

With a workforce of nearly 13,000 team members, Baystate Health is one of western Massachusetts’ strongest economic engines. With more than 980 licensed beds across five hospitals, and a local health plan with over 400 employees, they are working to make healthcare accessible to people in the region.

 Largest provider of care for those who lack access to healthcare in western Massachusetts

 Over 1.8 million outpatient visits, including comprehensive sick and preventive care

 Over 180,000 emergency visits

 More than 37,000 surgeries performed

 More than 4,000 babies born at Baystate Health hospitals

 Around 800 medical students, residents, and fellows, nearly 1,200 nursing students and residents, and more than 400 allied health students

 Total annual budget of $3 billion+

As an integrated academic health system, the advancement of knowledge is a major component of Baystate’s mission. Serving as the regional campus of the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, the organization educates and trains current and future caregivers – preparing much of the region’s healthcare workforce to meet patients’ needs for years to come.

In service of the mission, Baystate employees work to bring healthcare out of the hospital and into the community. They serve the local community through many health initiatives, including:

 Supporting community-based organizations

 Developing programs that help prepare the young people in the community for future success

 Advancing early interventions in wellness and nutrition

The diversity of Baystate’s workforce allows the organization to meet the community’s needs with cultural competence and compassion. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment for both employees and patients. As a result, the Human Rights Campaign has recognized Baystate Health as a national leader in providing inclusive and equitable healthcare.

Baycare® is a Provider Hospital Organization (PHO) serving the five Baystate hospitals and close to 140 medical practices throughout the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts including Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. Membership includes approximately 1,300 physicians, along with approximately 750 advanced practice clinicians.

The organization includes three distinct entities working together for patient populations:

 Baycare Health Partners, Inc. – for traditional healthcare populations

 Pioneer Valley Accountable Care, LLC – for Medicare patient populations

 Baystate Health Care Alliance, LLC – for Medicaid patient populations

Baycare® is an alliance of the medical staff and Baystate Health hospitals designed to improve the quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability of healthcare in the community. The economies of scale afforded by this collaboration enable member practices to manage patient populations cost-effectively while continuing to adhere to best practices and deliver the highest levels of care. 

  Position: President

  Location: Springfield, Massachusetts

  Reporting Relationship: Peter Banko Chief Executive Officer

  Website: https://healthnewengland.org/

Health New England stands at a pivotal moment in its evolution, with a unique opportunity to deepen integration with Baystate Health across key operating platforms, including care coordination, physician alignment, and value-based care. As the organization builds on its strong community foundation, there is significant potential for a fully integrated health plan to play a central role in Baystate Health’s growth strategy—strengthening regional impact, enhancing member value, and advancing the system’s long-term vision. The next phase of leadership will be instrumental in reimagining Health New England’s role within an integrated delivery system—guiding innovation, advancing performance, and shaping a sustainable, mission-driven future for the organization and the communities it serves.

The President will have the following essential responsibilities:

 Direct the operations of Health New England including strategic planning, sales, marketing, product development, finance, actuarial services, provider relations and contracting, health services, operations, and interfacing with a wide range of internal and external constituents.

 Provide overall leadership for the operations of the company including full budget and P&L responsibility.

 Achieve membership growth of Health New England in accordance with annual and long-range plans.

 Participate as a member of the Board of Trustees to direct the course of the company in response to the developing needs of the community; formulate and recommend sound strategies and comprehensive strategic plans to manage short-term and long-term priorities and identify key areas for growth.

 Develop and implement alternative delivery and indemnity products that will increase customer engagement utilization, physician participation, and assure attainment of business objectives.

 Recommend policy positions regarding legislation, government and administrative policy, working closely with appropriate Healthcare colleagues.

 Consult with relevant personnel and departments prior to recommending or establishing new policies to ensure the availability of resources.

 Develop and maintain close linkages with employers, healthcare organizations, and governmental bodies within target markets. Participate in community organizations to support awareness and effective working relationships. 

 Encourage integration with the community through effective communication and public relations programs.

 Ensure compliance with all regulatory agencies governing healthcare delivery and the rules of accrediting bodies by continually monitoring operations, programs, and physical properties; initiate changes when required.

 Keep lines of communication open; seek to maintain high employee morale and a professional, healthful atmosphere and environment.

 Direct the planning, management, control, and budgeting of the physical, financial, and human resources of Health New England to ensure that the goals and objectives of the subsidiary are attained.

 Provide leadership and manage productivity of all leadership of Health New England.

 Consult with and advise subordinates on a regular basis; evaluate competence and make changes as necessary.

 Interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performances; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems.

 Inspire consumer-first strategies, including the development of winning consumer solutions and experiences based upon a deep understanding of changing consumer needs, that continues to drive relevance and preference for Health New England.

 Position organization for significant growth and financial success in new geographic markets

 Prioritize integration efforts and serve as key linkage between the Health System and Health Plan

 Cultivate and enhance business and community relationships.

 Engage and inspire caregivers and colleagues by leading through mission, vision and values.

 Demonstrate a high level of collaboration.

 Make sound operational and financial decisions.

 Achieve company goals.

Experience and Professional Qualifications

Successful candidates for the President role will possess the following:

 Ten years of experience as a seasoned healthcare executive with appropriate and relevant managed care industry experience. 

 Leadership and strong strategic, financial, and operational acumen 

 An extensive and broad knowledge of healthcare ideally gained within a health plan environment.

 An understanding of the operational aspects of a health plan including contracting, medical management, provider/member relations, sales and marketing, and claims administration.

 Specific expertise in areas of sales, marketing, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, and operations.

 Creative and strategic executive with outstanding ability to articulate vision, opportunities, and key information to executive leaders, partner organizations, and potential customers.

 Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to motivate others toward common objectives. Strong team orientation and a collaborative approach.

 Ability to build relationships quickly and fit into varying cultures with ease.

 Ability to establish a significant leadership presence within every market in which Health New England has a presence.

 Be an advocate of service excellence with emphasis on continuing improvement.

 In depth understanding of the insurance industry and broker networks. 

 Strong physician relations skills; ability to develop collaborative working relationships based upon honesty, trust and communication.

 Knowledge of legislative activity with potential to effect provider organizations and a track record of success in advocacy efforts.

 A visionary, forward-thinking leader who can effectively execute day-to-day operational responsibilities.

 Flexible with the ability to deal with adversity and change.

 Unquestionable integrity of the highest order and respect for the individual and for diversity.

 Enthusiastic and charismatic personality with good interpersonal skills and a strong executive image and bearing. Creative, intelligent, and high-energy with a strong set of personal values.

 Interact with others through verbal communication; hear and understand spoken information.

 Operate computers, telephones, office equipment, and manipulate paper requiring the ability to move fingers and hands.

 See and read computer monitors and documents.

 Remain sitting or standing for long periods of time to perform work on a computer, telephone, or other equipment.

The ideal candidate for the President at Health New England should have the following educational qualifications:

 Bachelor's degree is required; Master’s degree is strongly preferred. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Degree(s) will be verified.

Springfield, MA is known as the City of Homes for a reason. Not only does it offer a unique architectural style all its own, but there's an abundance of beautiful and affordable housing. As a multicultural community, Springfield is a vibrant and diverse city of 154,789 (as of 2021), offering wonderful restaurants featuring authentic international cuisine. 

Springfield is the seat of Hampden County, located at the crossroads of New England midway between Boston and New York. The largest city in western New England, it sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River (New England’s largest river) and is the urban, economic, and media capital of Massachusetts' section of the Connecticut River Valley, colloquially known as the Pioneer Valley. 

The Berkshire Mountains are close by, and the city has plenty of green space (including the 735-acre Forest Park), high-quality schools, and many wonderful museums, arts, and entertainment venues.  

Springfield is only a 30-minute drive from both Hartford, CT and Northampton, MA, as well as a 20-minute drive from Bradley International Airport, affording Springfield residents easy access to world travel.  

Within 16 miles of Springfield's Metro Center, there are 29 universities and liberal arts colleges as well as community colleges. These high-quality institutions include Western New England University, Springfield College, American International College, UMass Amherst, Mt. Holyoke College, Amherst College, Smith College, Hampshire College, Westfield State University, Elms College, Bay Path University, Springfield Technical Community College, and Holyoke Community College. The Springfield Public school system is large and diverse, with approximately 26,00 students and more than 60 schools.

• Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, Springfield Museum, Tanglewood, Erie Carle Museum, Norman Rockwell Museum, Mark Twain House and Museum, Annual Puerto Rican Parade, Stone SOUL Festival, Greek Cultural Center, Symphony Hall, MGM Springfield, Mass Mutual Center, Motorcycle Museum, Connecticut Science Center, Old Sturbridge Village, Farmers Markets, and a vast array of annual dance music, theatre, community events, fairs, and festivals. Springfield is also home to many diverse churches.

• The Ranch Golf Club, The Zoo in Forest Park and Education Center, Warner Farms/Mike’s Maze, Berkshire East and Butternut ski areas (among many others), whitewater rafting, zip lining, Mount Tom, Mount Greylock, Bash Bish Falls State Park, Quabbin Reservoir, Otis Reservoir, Deerfield River, Farmington River, Springfield Thunderbirds (hockey), Valley Blue Sox (baseball), and Westfield Starfires (baseball). 

Springfield, MA is known as the “City of Firsts” – earned through a history of innovation. It is the birthplace of basketball and home of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame draws in nearly 200,000 visitors each year to learn about the game and to test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo “Court of Dreams.”  

It is also the home of America’s first Armory and military arsenal and the first American made automobile. And the home of Theodor Geisel, better known as “Dr. Seuss”.

The city is in the midst of a successful and long-term effort to revitalize itself. The economy is growing, and the city is sponsoring this resurgence to promote a healthy and safe community that is livable, affordable, and committed to a high quality of life for its citizens.