SEPTEMBER 2024
WWCMA Roundtable
Strategies of Success in Achieving Holistic Employer Well-Being with Sustainable Results
Tuesday, September 24 / 12 PM – 3 PM ET
MHA Conference Center / 500 District Ave / Burlington, MA
*You will be redirected to the Massachusetts Health Council (MHC) for registration and payment.
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Thank You to Our Event Sponsor:
On September 24, WWCMA members and guests gathered at the MHA Conference Center in Burlington for an engaging panel discussion.
Three 2023 WorkWell award winners shared insights into both the challenges and successes they faced in areas like integrating technology with point solutions, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). The panelists encouraged attendees to explore innovative strategies their organizations are adopting to promote employee well-being.
Attendees also enjoyed a light lunch and participated in small group discussions focused on challenges and strategies for employee well-being, engagement in the virtual workplace, and other relevant topics.
The panel featured Susan French, Senior Manager of Benefits at Gilbane; Christine Germaine, Associate Director of Benefits for Alkermes, Inc.; and Ashley Kennedy, Occupational Health Specialist at National Grid. Dr. Allessandria Polizzi, CEO & Founder of Verdant Consulting, served as the panel moderator. Special thanks to event sponsor KGA and to Kristin Matthews, COO of KGA, for her opening presentation.
Agenda
12 PM – 1 PM: Light lunch and networking
1 PM – 3 PM: Panel discussion
MODERATOR
Dr. Allessandria Polizzi
CEO & Founder, Verdant Consulting
Dr. Allessandria Polizzi is a former HR executive who is now the CEO of Verdant Consulting, a Start-Up Boston People-First Organization Runner-Up for 2024, that supports building healthy and resilient leaders, addressing workplace impacts on mental health, and psychological health and safety programs for multinational organizations. Her first book, The Workplace Mental Health Strategy Workbook, was published in 2024 and provides guidance on proactive approaches for creating healthy and thriving workplaces. She is also the ISO global liaison for Occupational Health and Safety and has served as an expert on psychological health and safety for professional associations, media, and the National Safety Council.
PANELIST
Susan French
Senior Manager of Benefits, Gilbane
As the Senior Manager of Benefits at Gilbane, Inc., Susan, with over two decades in benefits strategy and design across many industries, is a distinguished leader in the field of employee benefits and wellness. Her expertise has significantly enhanced the well-being of Gilbane’s 4,000 employees, encompassing health and welfare, retirement, and disability plans.
A visionary in her field, Susan’s leadership has been recognized by the Worksite Wellness Council of Massachusetts, which honored Ocean Spray, one of her previous employers for over 16 years, with the WorkWell Massachusetts Award for four years (2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021) under her guidance. In 2022, Susan’s contributions were further celebrated with the Excellence in Benefits Award from Employee Benefits News, highlighting her efforts in tackling the stigma around mental health.
PANELIST
Christine Germain
Associate Director, Benefits for Alkermes, Inc.
Christine is the Associate Director, Benefits for Alkermes, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company that seeks to develop innovative medicines in the field of neuroscience. Prior to joining Alkermes, she worked at Biogen. With almost 20 years’ experience in the benefits field, Christine oversees the design, implementation, communication and management of health and welfare, retirement, work-life, leave of absence and accommodations and wellness programs.
PANELIST
Ashley Kennedy
Occupational Health Specialist, National Grid
Ashley is a Senior Occupational Health Specialist at National Grid with a strong focus on workplace wellbeing. Ashley’s strength at engaging employees in Total Worker Health initiatives has resulted in a marked increase in enrollment in the company’s wellbeing program. Ashley has also successfully launched a chronic conditions project aimed at improving overall employee health and has implemented Mental Health First Aid at work. Ashley holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology and actively stays updated with the latest industry trends, ensuring she remains at the forefront of her field. Her membership in the National Wellness Institute further demonstrates Ashley’s commitment to professional growth and development.