New Fairview Hospital Leadershp Announced

Print Story | Email Story
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) has announced that Anthony Scibelli has been named a system vice president and the Chief Operating Officer of BHS's Fairview Hospital following a months-long, nation-wide search. 
 
Scibelli, currently the Vice President of Operations and Chief Administrative Officer at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, will begin his new leadership role at Fairview in early September.  Emmett Schuster, Interim Vice President of Fairview, will be present to support the hospital during the transitional period.
 
"Fairview Hospital plays an integral role in making South County a better, healthier place for all – something we are very proud to support and celebrate," said Darlene Rodowicz, President and CEO of BHS. "It was important to our system that we appoint a thoughtful and dedicated leader who can guide our five-star Fairview Hospital during this pivotal time in healthcare, when we are facing ever-greater challenges and ever-greater opportunities."
 
Alec Belman, MD, Chief of Staff at Fairview and member of the search committee explained, "Tony stood out among a competitive group of candidates, not only for his deep expertise in hospital operations and administration, but also for his collaborative and dynamic leadership style."
 
Doreen Hutchinson, RN, Vice President and Chief Nurse at Fairview added, "We are thrilled that, with Tony, we have found a healthcare leader whose experience, knowledge, and skills are a perfect match for Fairview Hospital."
 
For the past 10 years, Scibelli has served as Vice President of Operations and Chief Administrative Officer at Cooley Dickinson Health Care in Northampton. Previously, he held several senior leadership positions with Utica, NY-based Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare, eventually becoming Senior Vice President of Human Resources, Support Services and Post-Acute Operations following a merger with Mohawk Valley Health Systems.
 
"Fairview has an outstanding reputation as a hospital and as a community partner," said Scibelli. "I am excited to be joining such a dedicated team and look forward to working together to further enhance the important role that Fairview Hospital plays within the community's system of care."
 
Scibelli earned a Master of Business Administration at SUNY University of Albany. He has a Master of Science in Training and Development from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA, and a bachelor's degree from Worcester State University. He serves as an adjunct instructor at Elms College. In the community, Scibelli is an active volunteer and board member with organizations including the Lighthouse School, the Franklin and Hampshire County Regional Employment Board, Greenfield Community College, and the Northampton Survival Center.

Tags: BHS,   BMC,   Fairview Hospital,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Reps. Leigh Davis, Bud Williams Filing Legislation Honoring Freeman

SHEFFIELD, Mass. — State Reps. Leigh Davis of the 3rd Berkshire District and Bud L. Williams, of the 11th Hampden District, are filing legislation establishing Aug. 22 as Elizabeth Freeman Day of Equality, Healing, and Remembrance in the commonwealth.
 
The legislation would direct the governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the courageous contributions of Elizabeth Freeman, an enslaved Black woman known as Mum Bett, whose landmark freedom suit helped spark the legal end of slavery in Massachusetts.
 
"Elizabeth Freeman's story began here in the Berkshires, but its impact reached every corner of the commonwealth," said Davis. "More than two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire us. Establishing Elizabeth Freeman Day will ensure that future generations learn not only about her extraordinary bravery, but also about the power of one person to change the course of history."
 
In 1781, Freeman, of Sheffield at the time, challenged the institution of slavery by filing suit against her enslaver, Col. John Ashley. In the landmark case Brom and Bett v. Ashley, a Berkshire County jury ruled in favor of Freeman and her fellow plaintiff, Brom, granting them their freedom. The case demonstrated the power of the Massachusetts Constitution's declaration that all people are born free and equal and helped pave the way for the Quock Walker decisions that ultimately ended slavery in the commonwealth. 
 
"Freeman's courage changed the course of history in Massachusetts," said Williams. "At a time when the odds were stacked against her, she stood up and demanded that the promises of liberty and equality contained in our Constitution apply to her as well. She risked everything to challenge an unjust system, and her victory helped lay the foundation for the end of slavery in our commonwealth. Her legacy deserves to be recognized and remembered by every resident of Massachusetts."
 
Although unable to read or write, Freeman understood the meaning of freedom and equality and took extraordinary action to secure those rights for herself and others. Her story remains one of the most powerful examples of individual courage in the face of injustice. 
 
Elizabeth Freeman Day will provide an opportunity for reflection, education, healing, and remembrance, said Williams. 
 
View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories