BHS President and CEO Honored

08:00AM / Friday, November 17, 2023Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — Berkshire Health Systems announced that Darlene Rodowicz will be receiving a 4th Annual Extraordinary Women Advancing Healthcare Award from The Women's Edge (formerly The Commonwealth Institute), the leading nonprofit organization devoted to advancing women leaders.

This award is the first of its kind in the nation, reaching across diverse sectors of healthcare – from life sciences, healthcare education and systems, to healthcare foundations, patient care, and public health. It recognizes and celebrates remarkable healthcare leaders in Massachusetts for their outstanding career achievements and resounding impact.

"I am very grateful to The Women's Edge for their tireless work in empowering woman leaders throughout Massachusetts, and for recognizing me with this special honor," Rodowicz said. "It is a true privilege to receive this recognition for doing the work that I am so passionate about -- leading more than 4,000 dedicated health care professionals in supporting our community and helping Berkshire County thrive.

As President and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) and a life-long resident of Berkshire County, Darlene Rodowicz has dedicated her career to advancing the health and wellbeing of the community she loves. Darlene joined BHS in 1984 and has served on the system's Executive Leadership Team since 2005. Over the decades, BHS has grown into an integrated system of more than 4,000 employees serving rural Berkshire County, and Darlene has played a crucial role in this evolution through her various leadership positions, including ensuring the financial strength of the organization during her 15 years as Chief Financial Officer.

"The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a global leader in the healthcare industry so it is fitting that The Women's Edge – an organization founded 26 years ago to help women leaders in Massachusetts achieve greater success – would celebrate and honor emerging women leaders in the industry," said Elizabeth L. Hailer, CEO of The Women's Edge and EWAH co-Chair. "This award is a testament to the dedication, innovation and influence of each of these extraordinary women leaders."

Over 150 nominations were received for the 2023 Awards. Ten finalists were selected for their impact and innovative ways of advancing healthcare, for inspiring and leading others, and fostering diversity in their organizations and the healthcare community through policy, practice, and mentorship. The honorees' unwavering dedication to improving healthcare and commitment to mentoring others has left an indelible mark on the lives of many and the healthcare community.

Darlene Rodowicz will be honored at the EWAH awards reception on November 15, 2023.

Tags: BHS, BMC,

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State Wins $130M to Advance West-East Rail

03:03PM / Saturday, October 17, 2026

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Some $130 million in federal monies is being invested into passenger rail along the so-called Knowledge Corridor and for laying the groundwork to establish West-East Rail from Albany, N.Y., to Boston.

The funding for the Springfield Hub Modernization Project was announced on Friday by Gov. Maura Healey, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey and U.S. Reps. Richard Neal and James McGovern.

The project is part of the state's Compass Rail vision, centered on Springfield Union Station and building on existing Amtrak Vermonter, Hartford Line and Valley Flyer service.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation was awarded the funding through the Federal Railroad Administration's Fiscal Years 2025-2026 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant program to support modernization of the rail infrastructure around Springfield Union Station.

"This is a major win for Western Massachusetts and a big step forward for West-East Rail," said Healey in a statement. "This $130 million investment in Springfield will help us improve transportation, reduce congestion and connect more communities to jobs, housing and economic opportunity. I'm grateful to Senators Markey and Warren, Congressmen Neal and McGovern, and all of our partners for helping us secure this critical funding and move us closer to expanded passenger rail service across Massachusetts."

The project will upgrade tracks, signals and other infrastructure to address a major rail bottleneck, reduce conflicts between freight and passenger trains, and allow more efficient operations and expanded rail service. This work is expected to improve on-time performance, reduce delays and provide more schedule flexibility for Amtrak Vermonter and Valley Flyer passengers. The project will also create capacity for future passenger rail service while reducing unnecessary train idling, emissions and operating costs.

"Building West-East rail is a once-in a-lifetime investment to connect Massachusetts' communities and our regional economies like never before. It will mean lower costs, less congestion, and access to opportunity for families across the state," said Markey. "I'm proud to have secured this $130 million in federal funding alongside Governor Healey, Senator Warren, Congressman Neal and Congressman McGovern, bringing our total federal investment to more than $280 million to date, which will build the track to this more affordable, cleaner, better connected future."

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