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Whitin Community Center Announces New CEO
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Whitin Community Center Announces New CEO
The Whitin Community Center (WCC) Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary R. Wood as its new CEO effective October 1, 2007.
Mr. Wood will replace long time Executive Director, Charles E. Thompson. Mr. Thompson has worked for the Whitin Community Center for 34 years. He announced his retirement two years ago which prompted an extensive search for his replacement.
The Board of Trustees unanimously chose Mr. Wood to succeed Mr. Thompson. Mr. Wood is a senior executive with over 23 years of experience throughout all levels of an organization. He has a strong management and entrepreneurial background. In 1997 he founded StatusOne Health Systems that specialized in the management of chronically ill patients for health plans nationwide. The very successful business merged with Healthways, Inc. in 2003. Since then, he has been a Senior Vice President with Healthways at their Westboro, MA offices. Throughout his career, Mr. Wood has been responsible for team building, financial oversight, risk management, and performance analysis.
As a member of the Whitin Community Center and as part of the Board of Incorporators, Finance Audit committee, and the Technology committee for the WCC, Mr. Wood has first hand knowledge of the opportunities for growth at the WCC. Mr. Wood will carry forward existing plans to renovate and expand the facility including the original pool, locker rooms, health club, and lobby area, over the next several years. “I look forward to leading the Center through its renovation and expansion to provide more programs and services to our members. It is a great organization and a valuable asset to the Blackstone Valley Community,” said Mr. Wood.
Mr. Wood is actively involved in other community activities as well. He is current president of Worcester Bass Masters which is a chapter club of the Massachusetts B.A.S.S. Federation and he has been involved in Cub Scouting for the past 6 years. This included acting as a Den Leader for 5 years and serving as the Cub Master for Northbridge Pack 150.
Matt Salmon, Chairman of the Whitin Community Center Board of Trustees, states, “Gary’s management experience and community involvement make him the perfect person to guide the Center into its next phase. We are thrilled to welcome him to our staff and look forward to his leadership.”
Charles E. Thompson, outgoing Executive Director, assures members and the community, “I am leaving the Center in good hands. I am confident that Mr. Wood will continue to take the Center in a positive direction.”
Mr. Wood lives in Northbridge with his wife Susan and their 2 children.
The Whitin Community Center is a private, non-profit, community-based organization serving the Blackstone Valley since 1922. The Whitin Community Center is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of individuals and families and building a strong community in the Blackstone Valley. WCC offers social, recreational, educational, and outreach programs that bring community members of all ages and backgrounds together. WCC is the Blackstone Valley’s most complete family and recreation center with two swimming pools, a gym, a fitness center, child care and after school programs, summer camps and a seven-acre park. For more information call 508.234.8184 or visit www.OurGym.org.
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