John G. Albert and Karen Gomes earlier this year celebrating the agency’s ranking in top 25 percent of Fazzi Associates 2016 National Patient Satisfaction survey.
The head of Home Health Foundation plans to retire June 1.
John G. Albert, president and CEO of Home Health Foundation, cited personal health reasons for his decision. He will be succeeded by Karen Gomes, currently vice president of Clinical Services for Home Health VNA and chief clinical officer of Home Health Foundation.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my many years as head of this wonderful organization,” said Albert. “Working with a committed board of trustees and some of the most dedicated employees in the industry, we have built a financially strong and vibrant agency.”
Prior to joining Home Health Foundation, he was executive director of the Massachusetts region hospital division for Kindred Healthcare. Previously, he was principal and managing partner of Landmark Health Solutions, Haverhill; president of Oxford Health Systems, operator of Oxford Manor nursing home; and CEO of the former city-owned Hale Hospital, Haverhill, from 1986 to 1993.
Mary Jane Thomas, trustee chairman, credited Albert with more than two decades of leadership. “John has served seven years as CEO, and more than 20 years as a member of the board of trustees, during which he assumed progressive leadership roles including treasurer, vice chair and chairman,” she said.
Gomes has served Home Health VNA for the past five years.
“I am honored to be selected by the board of trustees to continue to advance home health and hospice services to benefit patients and families in this region,” she said.
Gomes received a bachelor’s from Regents College and master’s from University of Massachusetts. She has more than 18 years of experience in home health and hospice care. Prior to joining Home Health VNA, she was executive director of Home Health Services at Northeast Senior Health where she was responsible for the start-up, growth and development of the Medicare-certified home health care agency.
Home Health Foundation is comprised of affiliate agencies Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice and HomeCare. Together, the three agencies serve more than 110 communities throughout the Merrimack Valley, northeastern Massachusetts, and southern New Hampshire. Merrimack Valley Hospice also serves the Southern Maine region as York Hospital Hospice in partnership with York Hospital.