Community Corner

Thundermist Honors President, Blue Cross During Annual Breakfast

Monday presentations honor leadership, healthcare contributions.

 

Maria Montanaro was presented with the Francesco Cannistra, M.D., Memorial Award at the Thundermist Annual Breakfast Meeting Monday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Providence.

Montanaro has served as President/CEO of Thundermist for nearly 15 years. Under her direction, Thundermist grew exponentially to meet the needs of the communities it serves. “I am flattered to have been recognized by Thundermist with this prestigious award. Thundermist continues to distinguish itself through innovation and a visionary approach to primary care, and I am proud to be a part of its legacy," Montanaro said.

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From modest beginnings as a small community health center in a public housing development in Woonsocket, Montanaro lead Thundermist to become one of the largest, most advanced primary care organizations in the state, serving nearly 30,000 patients in Woonsocket, Wakefield and West Warwick.

Montanaro has earned a reputation as a tireless advocate for the medically underserved and low income communities locally and nationally. 

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Also during the breakfast, Blue Cross & Blue Shield was chosen as the recipient of the Community Partnership Award.

“This year’s award recipients have delivered significant contributions to health care in Rhode Island. We are grateful for Maria’s contributions as a leader for both Thundermist and the state, and celebrate the significant ongoing contributions of Blue Cross to our communities and primary care,” said Chuck Jones, Thundermist President/CEO. 

Guests at the breakfast included Governor Lincoln Chafee, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Congressman David Cicilline and many Thundermist staff and community partners.   


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