Thundermist Lays Off 124, CEO Terminated, Montanaro Returns to Stabilize Organization

Thundermist Lays Off 124, CEO Terminated, Montanaro Returns to Stabilize Organization

Thundermist Health Center announced it is laying off 124 of its 907 employees. The layoffs represent a 14% reduction in its workforce and come after the health center’s board of directors terminated its contract with former President/CEO Jeanne LaChance in early September.

"This is an absolutely devastating decision to have to make and carry out. It is driven by a financial crisis that forces us to reduce costs by nearly $2 million a month, effective immediately. Thundermist’s employees are our greatest asset and ensure that every year more than 62,000 Rhode Islanders get the primary care, behavioral health services, dental care, and social services they need. If we do not act now to right the ship, however, we are at risk of closing locations, reducing services, and leaving thousands of people without the care we know is already difficult to find," said Thundermist in a statement.

 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Return on Montanaro

In addition, Thundermist said its previous long-standing CEO would return.

"To efficiently address the crisis now that they are fully aware of its scope, Thundermist’s board appointed Maria Montanaro, MSW, as interim CEO on September 10. Montanaro was president and CEO of Thundermist from 1997-2011 and also previously served as director of Rhode Island’s Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. She has extensive experience working with community health centers, hospitals, and health systems as both a leader and consultant. Montanaro is working closely with the board and Thundermist’s senior leadership team to ensure we recover as quickly as possible," said the statement.

Thundermist said, "it will not be closing any of its locations—including its Convenient Care walk-in medical services—and will not need to reduce its hours of operation. Patients can continue to see providers and schedule appointments in Woonsocket, West Warwick, and South County. We know these changes will affect our remaining employees as well as our patients, and we are grateful to everyone for their understanding as we work through these transitions."

This story was first published 9/13/24 3:35 PM