Merrimack Health Welcomes New Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Development Officer

Merrimack Health is pleased to welcome Visael “Bobby” Rodriguez as Chief Human Resources Officer and Maria Gudinas as Chief Development Officer. They join Merrimack Health’s leadership team, bringing expertise and vision to support Merrimack Health’s continued growth and commitment to high-quality, equitable care for patients and families in the Merrimack Valley.

“Bobby and Maria are exceptional leaders who will play key roles in advancing our mission to care for the Merrimack Valley,” said Diana Richardson, president and chief executive officer at Merrimack Health. “Bobby’s leadership in building a strong, supportive workplace culture aligns with our values, and Maria’s deep roots in the region and ability to connect people to a shared purpose will strengthen our philanthropic efforts. We are thrilled to welcome them as we continue to build a high-quality community health system for our region.”

Rodriguez has more than 20 years of experience leading human resources, culture, and workforce strategy in large-scale health care organizations. His expertise includes workforce planning, talent development, employee engagement, and organizational strategy. In his new role, Rodriguez will continue to shape and strengthen Merrimack Health’s workforce and employee engagement, helping to attract and retain exceptional health care professionals who reflect the diverse communities of the Merrimack Valley.

He joins Merrimack Health from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, where he served as vice president of human resources, culture, belonging & community impact. He previously held senior HR leadership roles at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island and Baystate Health.

“I am honored to join the Merrimack Health team to support and advance its integration journey as a system,” said Rodriguez. “Building an equitable workplace where every employee feels seen, supported, and empowered is what drives me. The Merrimack Valley is a diverse, vibrant community, and I look forward to helping build a workforce that truly reflects and serves the people we care for.”

Gudinas brings more than 25 years of experience building philanthropic cultures within mission-driven organizations, with a strong ability to translate vision into donor relationships and giving programs that generate lasting, meaningful impact. She joins Merrimack Health from AgeSpan, Inc., a Lawrence-based area agency on aging, where she served as Chief Development Officer. She previously held senior leadership positions at the University of New Hampshire and Granite United Way.

She brings a deep understanding of the Merrimack Valley and its communities, having led development efforts in the region for much of her career. In her new role, Gudinas will build donor relationships and community partnerships that help ensure every person in the region has access to trusted, compassionate care close to home; and that Merrimack Health has the philanthropic resources to continue investing in the services, programs, and people that make that possible.

“I am honored to begin this new role and eager to collaborate with philanthropic partners throughout the Merrimack Valley to advance a premier regional healthcare system focused on innovation, access, and community well-being,” said Gudinas.

For more information about career or donating opportunities at Merrimack Health, visit https://www.mhlawrencehospital.org/careers and https://www.merrimackhealth.org/donate.

About Merrimack Health
Merrimack Health is the region’s first health care system serving the Merrimack Valley, prioritizing care and services based on the needs of its patients and supporting those who deliver the expert care. Serving communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, Merrimack Health includes hospitals in Lawrence, Haverhill, and Methuen, as well as a network of community-based physician practices. A recognized leader in heart care and stroke treatment, maternal and child health, orthopedics, surgical care, trauma and emergency services, behavioral health and outpatient programs, Merrimack Health delivers trusted, compassionate care close to home.