Darlene Rodowicz of Berkshire Health Systems Honored with 2023 Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Award: Awards Program Recognizes Women Leaders in Massachusetts Demonstrating Impact, Inspiration, and Innovation across Healthcare Industry
Berkshire Health Systems announced today that Darlene Rodowicz will be receiving a 4th Annual Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Award from The Women’s Edge (formerly The Commonwealth Institute), the leading nonprofit organization devoted to advancing women leaders. This award is the first of its kind in the nation, reaching across diverse sectors of healthcare – from life sciences, healthcare education and systems, to healthcare foundations, patient care, and public health. It recognizes and celebrates remarkable healthcare leaders in Massachusetts for their outstanding career achievements and resounding impact.
“I am very grateful to The Women’s Edge for their tireless work in empowering woman leaders throughout Massachusetts, and for recognizing me with this special honor,” Rodowicz said. “It is a true privilege to receive this recognition for doing the work that I am so passionate about — leading more than 4,000 dedicated health care professionals in supporting our community and helping Berkshire County thrive.”
As President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) and a life-long resident of Berkshire County, Darlene Rodowicz has dedicated her career to advancing the health and wellbeing of the community she loves. Darlene joined BHS in 1984 and has served on the system’s Executive Leadership Team since 2005. Over the decades, BHS has grown into an integrated system of more than 4,000 employees serving rural Berkshire County, and Darlene has played a crucial role in this evolution through her various leadership positions, including ensuring the financial strength of the organization during her 15 years as Chief Financial Officer.
“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a global leader in the healthcare industry so it is fitting that The Women’s Edge – an organization founded 26 years ago to help women leaders in Massachusetts achieve greater success – would celebrate and honor emerging women leaders in the industry,” said Elizabeth L. Hailer, CEO of The Women’s Edge and EWAH co-Chair. “This award is a testament to the dedication, innovation and influence of each of these extraordinary women leaders.”
Over 150 nominations were received for the 2023 Awards. Ten finalists were selected for their impact and innovative ways ofadvancing healthcare, for inspiring and leading others, and fostering diversity in their organizations and the healthcare community through policy, practice, and mentorship. The honorees’ unwavering dedication to improving healthcare and commitment to mentoring others has left an indelible mark on the lives of many and the healthcare community.
The full list of the 2023 Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare in Massachusetts honorees includes:
- Christina M. Bailey-Hytholt, PhD, Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Mareshia Donald, PhD, Director, Chief of Staff to the Chief Human Resources Officer, Vertex Pharmaceuticals
- Dallas Ducar, MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC, CNL, FAAN, CEO, Transhealth
- Naomi Fried, PhD, Founder & CEO, PharmStars
- Erin Nahrgang, RN, CCM, Senior Director ACO Complex Care Management, Boston Medical Center Health System
- Kemi Olugemo, MD, FAAN, VP, Global Clinical Development, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical
- Kristen Palumbo, MHCDS, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Compliance Officer, Innovive Health
- Viveka Prakash-Zawisza, MD, MS, MBA, Senior Associate Medical Director, MassHealth
- Darlene Rodowicz, President & CEO, Berkshire Health Systems
- Sylvia Rosas, MD, MSCE, Director, Latino Kidney Clinic, Joslin Diabetes Center, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
A graduate of Western New England College with a master’s degree in business administration, Rodowicz also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She is a member and Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, a national organization comprised of healthcare financial leaders.
Darlene Rodowicz will be honored at the EWAH awards reception on November 15, 2023. Registration for the celebration event, as well as more information on the awards can be found at https://thewomensedge.org/events-awards/extraordinary-women-advancing-healthcare/