We train individuals to be resourceful and effective leaders to take on a variety of community issues and needs.

How We Support the MetroWest Health Leadership Program

The MetroWest Health Leadership Program is a six-month knowledge and skill-building program designed to change the way local health executives, managers and officials think and act as leaders. Through a curriculum that includes presentations, discussion and group work, participants gain a better understanding of their own leadership styles and how they can use their leadership skills to improve health and human services in their communities. Classes are taught by leading experts in their respective fields of knowledge.

Ten individuals comprise each class, which runs from January through June. In addition, students participate in a project that seeks to build on classroom work through the creation of a strategic and creative solution to a local health issue.

Individuals who work for a nonprofit or municipal health/human service organization serving the MetroWest region are eligible to apply. The ideal candidate is someone in a mid- to senior-level position who is passionate about learning from and with other leaders in the region. The foundation encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

The foundation covers all costs of the program, including meals, retreat lodging and supplies. Applicants are expected to attend six day-long classes, held on Wednesdays, as well as a Friday night through Saturday afternoon retreat in late January

The 2024 program will be in-person. Participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Courtney Balacco, M.Ed.
Framingham Public Schools

John Byrnes, M.A., Ph.D.
Ashland Board of Health

Jessica Cliff, M.S.
Natick Health Department

Alma Cothias, Esq., MBA
Jewish Family Service of Metrowest

Travis Hinton
Wayside Youth and Family Support Network

Kayson Jones, M.A.
Wayside Youth and Family Support Network

Jessica Kirkwood
Open Table

Maria McHugh, M.S.
Framingham Health Department

Vivian Zeng, MPH
Sudbury Health Department

Shaun Adamec
Adamec Communications

Shani Dowd
BU School of Medicine

Brian Mandell, Ph.D.
Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

Jack McCarthy, DBA
Boston University School of Management

John McDonough, Dr.PH
Harvard School of Public Health

Jacqueline Murphy, Dr.PH
Curry College


“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”

- Rosalynn Carter

Interested in Becoming a Health Leader?

For more information about our Health Leadership Program, contact Rebecca Donham at rdonham@mwhealth.org.