Daily News

HMC Names Barry Waite Corporate Director of Human Resources

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center welcomes Barry Waite as corporate director of Human Resources.

Waite, a native of Holyoke, served five years as corporate director of Human Resources for the Loomis Communities in South Hadley and seven years as regional director of Human Resources with HealthBridge Management in Concord. Previously, he served as director of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications for Baystate Health in Springfield, and as director of Communications and Marketing for Qualidigm in Middletown, Conn.

“This is an exciting time for Holyoke Medical Center, as we bring a new vision and strategic plan into action. The people who work here every day, providing the excellent care that our community hospital is recognized for, are the reason I’m here,” said Waite. “In HR, we have a real impact on how that care is provided, whether the focus is on the morale of the workplace, employee benefits, or creating a healthier workplace environment for our employees — creating an environment where they can thrive and serve our patients to the best of their ability.”

Waite attended Boston College and earned his master’s degree in health communications at Emerson College/Tufts University School of Medicine. He lived in Boston for 14 years and was delighted to return to his native Western Mass. in 2000 so his wife could pursue a doctorate in nutrition at UMass Amherst. Among Waite’s plans for HMC are to introduce a new employee-wellness program including an initiative for achieving a healthy work-life balance.

“From an HR perspective, it’s rewarding being part of the team that will bring Holyoke Medical Center into the future, with a focus on patient-centered healthcare delivery,” Waite said. “I am working with people who have dedicated their lives to what this hospital has to offer. Taking the wealth of knowledge and experience that they have and being part of bringing it to the next level is exciting.”