Boston, Friday, July 17-The Board of HEFA, the Massachusetts Health and Educational Facilities Authority, yesterday held elections for officers and unanimously voted Christine C. Schuster as Chairperson. Also elected were Mark P. Bilotta to Vice-Chair and Timothy O'Connor to Secretary.
Ms. Schuster, a resident of Sudbury, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Emerson Hospital, a multi-site health system headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts. Ms. Schuster has over twenty years of experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to joining Emerson Hospital, Ms. Schuster held the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of Quincy Medical Center.
"HEFA provides an important benefit to nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts," stated Ms. Schuster. "I thank the HEFA Board for their confidence in electing me Chairperson. I also especially thank HEFA's outgoing Chairman, Allen Larson, for all of his hard work. Allen set us on the course of good governance, and I hope to build on that."
Ms. Schuster further stated, "HEFA is not a functional silo but a critical component of our state, and we need to do our part to help the nonprofit organizations of Massachusetts to thrive. To that end, at yesterday's meeting the board unanimously voted to direct the advisory committee to review HEFA's fee structure, look at possible expansion of services, and explore operational efficiencies, in accordance with the request made by Governor Patrick."
New HEFA Vice-Chair Mark P. Bilotta, a resident of Worcester, is the Chief Executive Officer of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium in Worcester, Massachusetts, a non-profit association of twelve central Massachusetts-based colleges and universities providing academic and member services, higher education access services and promoting community and economic development partnerships.
New HEFA Secretary Timothy O'Connor, a resident of Danvers, is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Lahey Clinic Foundation, Inc.; Lahey Clinic Hospital, Inc.; Lahey Clinic, Inc.; Lahey Clinic Affiliated Services, Inc. and Lahey Clinic Canadian Foundation. In addition Mr. O'Connor is also President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Lahey Clinic Insurance Company Limited.
Ms. Schuster and Mr. O'Connor both joined HEFA's Board in 2005, and Mr. Bilotta was appointed to the board in 2008.
About HEFA
HEFA is a quasi-public authority that provides low-cost funds to nonprofit organizations in the fields of health care, higher education, science, culture and the arts. It is a self-funded organization authorized by the state Legislature and receives no taxpayer dollars. Last year, HEFA was the sixth largest issuer of municipal bonds in the nation, and with a staff numbering only 15, is a true model of efficiency. For more information, visit www.mhefa.org.