PRESS RELEASE: WMCHealth Appoints Three to Leadership Positions

VALHALLA – The Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth) has recently appointed Susan Gerry as Senior Vice President for Strategic Alliances and Partnerships, Kelly MacMillan as Senior Vice President for Government Relations and Mecca Santana as Senior Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement.

All three bring extensive public policy, legislative and leadership experience to their positions and will help to forward the network’s role in being a catalyst for health and well-being and bringing primary and advanced healthcare to families across the Hudson Valley, as close to their homes as possible.

As Senior Vice President for Strategic Alliances and Partnerships, Susan Gerry will play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of strategic relationships to help Network entities in their roles as anchor institutions in the communities they serve by developing and implementing plans that optimize the engagement of business and community stakeholders in alignment with the economic, workforce and healthcare access priorities in local communities.

Gerry arrives at WMCHealth after successfully serving as the City of Yonkers’ Deputy Mayor.  Gerry also worked at the state and county levels, where she was a policy advisor for New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senior Assistant to Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano.

A graduate of George Washington University with a BBA in Business, Economics and Public Policy, Gerry also earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Diego School of Law.  She is a resident of South Salem and whenever possible, Gerry enjoys trail running, fishing and other Hudson Valley outdoor activities.

In her position as Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kelly MacMillan will develop and direct strategies that identify and foster relationships with elected officials and government agencies in order to ensure open lines of communication between WMCHealth and public officials in the communities it serves.

Prior to joining WMCHealth, MacMillan worked in both the private and public sectors.  Her career stops include a successful tenure as New York State’s Director of Public Infrastructure, a role where she provided oversight and management of the construction of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. She also was Chief of Staff for New York State Assemblyman Richard Brodsky.

MacMillan graduated from Roger Williams University with a BA in Political Studies.  The Pound Ridge resident is a horse-enthusiast and enjoys equine activities with her family.

As Senior Vice President for Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, Mecca Santana will be directing the deployment of diversity and inclusion best practices across the WMCHealth network, connecting work within the Network with engaged communities to ensure that WMCHealth and its member hospitals and entities are aligned in providing the highest level of service to those served.

In the time prior to joining WMCHealth, Santana was the Chief Diversity Officer for New York State and Executive Director of Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Management for the New York City Department of Education.

A University at Albany alumna, Santana double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, plus secured a law degree from Hofstra University. A Central New York native, Santana currently resides with her family in Blauvelt where she cycles and coaches her daughter’s softball team.