Generations Family Health Center chooses new CEO

Michelle Warren, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
·2 min read

Sep. 19—WILLIMANTIC — Following the retirement of Generations Family Health Center Chief Executive Officer Arvind Shaw in January, Melissa Meyers will take over.

" The search committee of the board and all board members acknowledge the commitment, leadership and patient- driven service that Melissa brings to the Generations community and the communities we serve at-large," Generations Board of Directors Chairperson Selma Ward said in a press release. " Melissa will be a thoughtful, kind and committed leader for Generations, assisting in powering healthcare into the future."

Meyers, who lives in Putnam, will begin her new position on Jan. 3.

She has worked for Generations since 1995, starting as a Medical Case Manager.

Generations did not disclose what Meyers' new salary will be.

Shaw, who has been CEO for 21 years, announced his retirement in May.

Meyers joined the senior management team in 2001 as the Director of Operations and became the Chief Operating Officer in 2010.

According to a press release from Generations, she developed and implemented many grant programs, care services, agency policies and community partnerships.

Meyers also led the design and construction of the facilities in Willimantic and Putnam, as well as being one of the leaders for the health center during the pandemic.

" I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead the organization I love and have been committed to for so many years," she said in a press release. "I'm honored to have the trust and support of our board of directors and humbled to be the chosen steward for our mission."

Meyers earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Eastern Connecticut State University in 1989 and a master's degree in health administration in 2007 from A. T. Still University in Missouri.

She has volunteered with many different groups over the years and is currently president of the Putnam Rotary Club. Meyers is also a member of the Killingly Business Association, HealthQuest Northeast CT and the Northeast Connecticut Women & Girls Fund.

She said in the press release that she is passionate about access to care, noting that she considers it to be an "essential human right," not a " privilege reserved only for those with resources."

"Every member of our community deserves access to high- quality, compassionate health care and that is what the hard-working employees at Generations strive to provide each and every day," Meyers said. "I look forward to leading with effectiveness, grace and an eye to the future, while also honoring the legacy of service Arvind is leaving behind. We are fortunate to have such a top-notch leadership team and board of directors at our organization and our employees consistently perform at the highest standards."

Follow Michelle Warren on Twitter — @mwarrentc.