Our Leadership

Dr. Alastair Bell oversees the comprehensive system strategy and operations of BMCHS' entities, including BMC, Boston Accountable Care Organization, Clearway Health, and the WellSense Health Plan.

Prior to joining in 2012, Dr. Bell was a leader in the North American payor and provider practice at McKinsey and Company, advising a range of national and international healthcare organizations and leading large-scale transformation programs. He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Oxford, his Master of Arts in physiology from the University of Cambridge, and his Master of Business Administration with distinction from Harvard Business School. Dr. Bell currently serves as co-chair of the board for the Boston Children’s Chorus.

Watch Dr. Alastair Bell talk about his vision for BMC and the future of healthcare:

Dr. Anthony (Tony) Hollenberg oversees strategic leadership across the academic medical center as BMC models a new kind of excellence in healthcare where clinical and operational innovation meets health equity and access. 

Before being appointed to this role in 2024, Dr. Hollenberg served as physician-in-chief at Boston Medical Center and the John Wade Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. He has also spent 30-plus years assuming progressive leadership positions in academic medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, before spending four years as the chair and chief of the Department of Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Dr. Hollenberg is a nationally recognized physician-scientist who specializes in endocrinology. His work has focused on thyroid disorders and investigating the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, including body weight, as well as thyroid gland development. 

Dr. Hollenberg received a medical degree from University of Calgary, and he completed his residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, followed by a clinical and research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Hollenberg received a Bachelor of Arts in biochemical sciences from Harvard College. He currently serves as treasurer of the American Thyroid Association and the Association for Professors of Medicine.

Heather Thiltgen oversees the strategy and operations of WellSense, a nonprofit health insurance company that offers Medicare, Individual and Family, and Medicaid plans. Thiltgen has successfully grown WellSense to a plan that has over 700,000 members, contributes $5 billion in annualized revenue to BMCHS, and is the Medicaid market share leader in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Prior to joining in 2020, Thiltgen served in senior leadership roles at Medical Mutual of Ohio, CUNA Mutual Group, and USAA and started her career at the M/A/R/C® Group. She received her Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and her Bachelor of Arts in government and economics from University of Texas at Austin. Thiltgen current serves on the boards of Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) and Storable and is vice chair of the Massachusetts Association Health Plans. 

Watch this short video to learn how Heather’s passion and leadership inspire the mission of WellSense to support its members in living their healthiest lives.

Nicole Faucher oversees the executive team at Clearway Health, a specialty pharmacy program created to serve BMC and its patients, and is responsible for the company’s strategic plan, financial performance, technology delivery, operations, market expansion, and client development.

Prior to joining in 2021, Faucher served in leadership roles at Allscripts, MedQuest Associates, and HealthScreen America. She received her Master of Science from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and her Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech. Faucher serves as an advisory board member for the University of North Carolina - Charlotte.

Ankur Agrawal, MBA, provides leadership and financial oversight for BMCHS so we can provide the best care and support for our patients, members, and the communities that we serve.

Prior to joining in 2024, Agrawal served as a partner at McKinsey & Company. He received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard University and his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from IRIM&EE. 

David Beck oversees the health system's legal matters, corporate compliance, and captive insurance company.

Prior to joining in 2007, Beck served as deputy chief of the Massachusetts Attorney General's Public Protection Bureau. He received his Master of Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School and his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.

Bob Biggio oversees sustainability initiatives and major capital projects, with the goal of furthering BMCHS’ leadership in green healthcare.

Prior to joining in 2011, Biggio served in executive roles for Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary and Hallmark Health System. He received his Bachelor of Science in marine engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Biggio currently serves on the board of directors at Oakwell, a sustainability management and real estate optimization firm. 

Watch Bob Biggio talk about the BMC Clean Power Prescription Program:

Cindy Bo oversees the health system’s strategic plan and priorities with an emphasis on healthcare innovation, growth, and community and behavioral health integration.

Prior to joining in 2024, Bo served as the senior vice president of strategy and business development for the Delaware Valley at Nemours, one of the nation’s largest multistate pediatric health systems. She also held consulting and business planning roles at Deloitte, Booz Allen, and Novartis AG and is an Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellow. Bo received her Master of Business Administration from Columbia University and her bachelor's degree in marketing and management information systems from Binghamton University. She currently serves on the boards of the March of Dimes, Boston, the Clinic for Special Children, and Children & Families First. 

Watch this short video to learn more about Cindy, where she grew up, and how her parents helped shape her perspective on life:

Joy Brown oversees the health system’s digital, technology, cybersecurity, and information strategy.

Prior to joining in 2024, Brown served as the chief data officer at Verizon Media; led the credit card global data, analytics, and machine learning function at Capital One; and held key positions at UnitedHealth Group, Vanguard, and General Electric. She received her Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University and her bachelor's degree in information systems and data engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University. Brown currently serves on the boards of Huron Consulting, ESO, and ValidiFi.

Watch Joy Brown talk about improving the patient experience through the development and enhancement of BMCHS' digital health capabilities:

Rachel Felix oversees marketing, development, and community engagement to deepen BMCHS’ relationship with all audiences and further the organization’s mission.

Prior to joining in 2022, Felix served as vice president and head of brand management at Mass General Brigham and was senior vice president of partner marketing at Paramount. She received her Master of Business Administration from Columbia University and her Bachelor of Business Administration from University of Michigan. Felix currently serves on the boards of the New Commonwealth Fund, Women's Lunch Place, and PRX. Felix has also been recognized with the 2025 Pinnacle Award for Achievement in Health Care by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

Watch Rachel Felix talk about how she’s elevating the brand of BMCHS to help drive better outcomes for our patients and families:

Lisa Kelly-Croswell oversees human resources, occupational health, and volunteer services and leads organizational growth strategies for the health system.

Prior to joining in 2013, Kelly-Croswell held a wide range of human resources leadership roles at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Nitromed Inc., CIGNA, Monsanto, and Frito-Lay. She received her Master of Arts in labor and industrial relations and her Bachelor of Science in finance from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Kelly-Croswell currently serves on the boards of Eiger Bioparmaceuticals, Greater Boston Food Bank, and New England Human Resources Association.

Melissa Monahan is responsible for advising the CEO and health system leadership on a range of internal and external issues and initiatives. She is also the central point of contact for ensuring the strategic coordination of the CEO's activities and engagements.

Prior to joining in 2013, Monahan was senior vice president of the non-profit, healthcare, and education practice at Rasky Partners, a leading independent public relations and public affairs firm. She received her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Monahan currently serves on the board of MassBioEd.

Jesse Souweine is responsible for strategy implementation and organizational alignment in pursuit of the health system’s institutional goals.

Prior to joining in 2023, Souweine was executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, where she oversaw the institute’s administration, finance, and operations with the aim of accelerating scientific discovery. She received her Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and her Bachelor of Arts in American studies from Cornell University. Souweine currently serves on the board of Patrons of Belmont Performing Arts.

Watch Jesse Souweine discuss her vision for BMC Health System:

Sarah Carignan Arbelaez leads BMC Health System's integration process with Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center, while overseeing emergency management, public safety, and support services for BMC.

Prior to joining in 2012, Arbelaez worked in provider-side consulting as well as in various financial and administrative roles at Mass General Brigham. She received her Master of Business Administration from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and her Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University.

Watch this video to learn more about Sarah’s journey and her dedication to making a positive difference for our patients and communities:

Dr. Ravin Davidoff provides oversight of Boston HealthNet and leadership of ongoing clinical partnerships at Boston Medical Center, including the integration of Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Elizabeth's Medical Center. He also manages non-clinical relationships with the Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

Prior to 2022, Dr. Davidoff was chief medical officer and senior vice president of medical affairs at BMC. He received his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) from the University of Witwatersrand Medical School. He was a resident and chief resident in internal medicine at Boston City Hospital and completed a cardiology fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Matthew Hesketh oversees the strategy and operations of Good Samaritan Medical Center in Brockton, helping to ensure the organization delivers high-quality care, innovative services, operational excellence, and community commitment.

Prior to leading Good Samaritan, Hesketh served as the hospital’s chief operating officer, vice president of operations, and director of quality and patient safety. He has also held positions at Morton Hospital and Carney Hospital. He received his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in healthcare administration from Southern New Hampshire University and his Bachelor of Arts from Boston College.

Dr. Anthony (Tony) Hollenberg oversees strategic leadership across the academic medical center as BMC models a new kind of excellence in healthcare where clinical and operational innovation meets health equity and access. 

Before being appointed to this role in 2024, Dr. Hollenberg served as physician-in-chief at Boston Medical Center and the John Wade Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. He has also spent 30-plus years assuming progressive leadership positions in academic medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Massachusetts General Hospital, before spending four years as the chair and chief of the Department of Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell. Dr. Hollenberg is a nationally recognized physician-scientist who specializes in endocrinology. His work has focused on thyroid disorders and investigating the physiological and molecular mechanisms by which thyroid hormones regulate metabolism, including body weight, as well as thyroid gland development. 

Dr. Hollenberg received a medical degree from University of Calgary, and he completed his residency in internal medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, followed by a clinical and research fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Hollenberg received a Bachelor of Arts in biochemical sciences from Harvard College. He currently serves as treasurer of the American Thyroid Association and the Association for Professors of Medicine.

Paul Smith oversees the strategy and operations of St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton. He is responsible for the delivery of exceptional, compassionate care to thousands of patients, maintaining the highest levels of quality and patient experience.

Prior to joining St. Elizabeth’s, Smith served as the hospital’s chief operating officer and helped lead the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, he also served as the Chief Operating Officer for Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester. He received his master’s degree in healthcare management from University of Massachusetts Lowell and his bachelor’s degree from Saint Anselm College.

Dr. Thea James oversees BMCHS’ relationships and strategic alliances with local, state, and national partners to meet the full spectrum of essentials that enables patients and communities to thrive. She is also an associate professor of emergency medicine and director of the Violence Intervention Advocacy Program.

Dr. James has held a number of public health and health equity-related positions in her 27-year tenure at BMC, as well as practicing as an emergency room physician. She received her Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine and trained in emergency medicine at Boston City Hospital, where she was chief resident. Dr. James currently serves on the boards of UPSTREAM USA, Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, Compass Working Capital, Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, and Community Servings.

Watch Dr. James' interview with BBC about the Health Equity Accelerator:

Rob Koenig oversees special projects and new initiatives, including partnerships with government, for the health system.

Prior to joining in 2019, Koenig held a range of roles at the Harvard Kennedy School, Bain & Company, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the William J. Clinton Foundation. He received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and his bachelor’s degree in earth and planetary sciences from Harvard College.

Markeisha Marshall oversees communication strategies and functions to promote BMCHS' commitment to clinical excellence and health equity.

Prior to joining in 2023, Marshall served as head of public affairs at Adobe and was the inaugural leader of environmental, social and governance (ESG) at AbbVie. She received her Master of Science in health communication from Northwestern University and her Bachelor of Science in public relations and political science from Eastern Michigan University.

Petrina Martin Cherry is responsible for leading all external affairs and community engagement outreach for the health system, with an eye to healthcare equity, social determinants of health, diversity, and inclusion.

Prior to joining in 2016, Martin Cherry spent 15 years in entertainment marketing and media training for celebrities and non-profit organizations. She received her Executive Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson School of Business and her Bachelor of Arts in English literature from University of South Carolina. Martin Cherry currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Boston Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club of Boston and Boston Arts Academy, the American Hospital Association Advisory Board and was appointed by Governor Healey to the MA State Black Empowerment Council and the MA Council of Arts and Culture.

Watch Petrina Martin Cherry talk about BMC’s Health Equity Accelerator's plan regarding Economic Mobility:

Melissa Shannon is responsible for government affairs for the health system, advancing BMCHS’ fiscal and community agenda and overseeing advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels.

Prior to joining in 2017, Shannon led the policy agenda for Commonwealth Care Alliance and held a number of leadership positions in Massachusetts healthcare policy, including at Boston Children’s Hospital, Health Care for All, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, as well as at the MA State Senate. She received her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from Wesleyan University.

Dr. David Twitchell drives a comprehensive innovation strategy to build business opportunities that advance and expand the reach of our system's capabilities in service to our patients, members, and broader community. 

Before being appointed to this role, Dr. Twitchell oversaw all pharmacy operations and clinical activity for the hospital, its clinics, and the retail, specialty, mail order, and health insurance departments as Chief Pharmacy Officer. Prior to joining BMC Health System in 2011, Dr. Twitchell founded and operationalized a company dedicated to helping heath systems develop specialty pharmacy services. He was also a critical care clinical specialist and the director of pharmacy at Colorado-area medical centers. Dr. Twitchell received his Doctorate of Pharmacy and his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy studies from the University of Connecticut College of Pharmacy.