Amedisys Adds New Board Member; UVMHN Tabs New President

Samuels joins the Amedisys board

Amedisys Inc. (Nasdaq: AMED) has named Ivanetta Davis Samuels to its board of directors. She became officially active in her role on Dec. 15.

“I am excited to welcome Ivanetta and her vast leadership experience to our Board of Directors,” Amedisys CEO and President Paul Kusserow said in a statement. “Her unique legal and public policy experience will provide our leadership team with a new and broader perspective as we continue our journey to becoming the solution for those who want to age in place.”

Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Amedisys is a provider of home health, hospice and personal care services. It operates in 39 states and Washington, D.C.

On Samuels end, she has a vast law background and is excited about the opportunity to operate on a board with various forms of voices on it.

“I am honored to join the Amedisys Board of Directors,” Samuels said in a statement. “As a woman of color who understands the importance of diverse perspectives, I am especially thrilled to be a part of a leading healthcare organization with a board composed in its majority by women, that is intentionally providing equitable and inclusive quality care to all of its patients.”

Currently, Samuels is the senior VP, general counsel and corporate secretary for Meharry Medical College. She oversees legal affairs and transactions, including litigation management, policy management, immigration services, compliance, risk management and environmental health and safety, according to the Amedisys release.

UVMHN announces new president

The University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) announced that Adrianne Johnson Ross had been named the next president of Home Health & Hospice as well as COO. Johnson Ross will take over for Judy Peterson, who is retiring from her post after eight years.

“For decades and throughout this pandemic, home health and hospice professionals have played a crucial role in the delivery of essential care,” Johnson Ross said. “I believe home health is central to the future of health care delivery and will continue to expand and reach more families, ensuring patients will remain as comfortable as possible while receiving care.”

UVMHN Home Health & Hospice previously operated under the name The Visiting Nurse Association of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties. The brand changed when it joined UVMHN in January 2018. It’s the first affiliate of the network to provide post-acute, community-based care.

The nonprofit organization delivers home health and hospice care to individuals of all ages across two dozen towns in Vermont.

“Adrianne brings an innovative mindset to help us think about our services and care delivery to our community,” Tara Pacy, chair of the home health and hospice arm’s board of directors, said in a statement. “I am excited about her energy and passion for our organization.”

Griswold Home Care’s names director of marketing

Griswold Home Care has created a new position — the director of marketing — and has hired Shelly Kanther to serve in the role.

The Blue Bell, Pennsylvania-based company offers home care, personal care and respite care services as well as companion care to patients. Its network consists of 200 locations spanning 30 states.

Kanther has wide-ranging knowledge of digital marketing, most recently serving as a marketing and digital strategy consultant at the New England Appliance & Electronics Groups (NEAEG).

“Our goal to elevate and modernize the Griswold Home Care brand requires fresh eyes and a digital-first mindset,” CEO Michael Slupecki said in a statement. “Shelley’s familiarity in online strategy for local small businesses provides experience similar to working with a franchise network, while bringing innovative ideas and the shift in perspective we’ve been looking for.”

Axxess adds home care expert to senior leadership team

Axxess, the Dallas-based home health technology company, has bolstered its leadership team by hiring a non-medical, private-pay home care expert.

Patricia Drea joins the Axxess team after serving as COO of home care company Visiting Angels for 12 years. Drea also served as chair of the organization’s board of directors during that time.

“Pat will be an invaluable resource for our home care clients,” John Olajide, founder and CEO of Axxess, said in a statement. “She has more than 30 years of experience in private duty and skilled nursing, including owning and managing home care organizations and working with franchises.”

In addition to her background at Visiting Angels, Drea was the former chair of the National Association for Home Care & Hospice’s (NAHC) Private Duty Home Care Association and the CEO of At Home Total Care.

Home Care Alliance elects VP for trade group

The Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts recently elected Home Health Foundation President and CEO Karen Gomes as vice president of the board of directors.

Boston-based Home Care Alliance is a nonprofit trade association of home care agencies.

“Karen’s experience and expertise will be most welcome around our board table as we navigate these most challenging times in home care,” Pat Kelleher, executive director of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, said in a statement.