Lawrence, MA – John G. Albert, MBA, FACHE, President and CEO of Home Health Foundation, has announced his intention to retire on June 1, 2017 citing personal health reasons. “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.”
Mary Jane Thomas, Chair of the Board of Trustees, credits 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” said Thomas. “During his tenure as President and CEO, he led the agency with honor and integrity, while expanding the depth and breadth of home health and hospice services.
John will be succeeded by Karen Gomes, RN, MS, CPHQ, who is currently Vice President of Clinical Services for Home Health VNA and Chief Clinical Officer of Home Health Foundation. “When considering a replacement, the Board of Trustees determined that the obvious successor was right in front of us,” said Thomas. “During her 5 years at Home Health VNA, Karen has assumed progressive leadership roles throughout the agency, developed and implemented innovative programs in chronic disease management and telehealth and led transitions of care and quality improvement programs. She also has demonstrated a firm grasp of industry issues and initiatives. We wish John all the best in his retirement and look forward to working with Karen. We are confident she has the experience and dedication to further the mission and vision of the agency.”
“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,” said Gomes. I look forward to working with the Board of Trustees, Executive Management Committee and our committed staff to continue our legacy and stellar reputation as a leader in the industry.”
Gomes received a Bachelor of Science degree from Regents College and a Master of Science degree from University of Massachusetts. She has more than 18 years of experience in home health and hospice care. Prior to joining Home Health VNA, Gomes was Executive Director of Home Health Services at Northeast Senior Health where she was responsible for the start-up, growth and development of their Medicare certified home health care agency.
Home Health Foundation, the leader in home health care, is comprised of affiliate agencies Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice and HomeCare, Inc. 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.