The Armenian Women’s Welfare Association announced that as of Dec. 7, Hanover resident Scott Ariel will join as CEO of the nonprofit, which oversees both the five-star Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Jamaica Plain as well as the Hanganak Elder Clinic in the Republic of Nagorno-Karabagh, also known as Artsakh.
“Scott brings with him a wealth of experience and innovative strategies not only in overall management of elder care communities, but also in enhancing the living experience. Our elder years are precious and must be full of joy and comfort, and we believe Scott’s passion will help us better the services and experiences we offer those we are fortunate to care for,” said Martha Mensoian, president of the AWWA Board of Directors. “We have incredible teams in place at our facilities. They are our greatest asset, and we believe Scott will help lead them toward a great new chapter in AWWA's more than 100-year history."
“There is a very powerful historical mission at the AWWA, ANRC and Hanganak that is evident. We can all be proud of that. There is a clear and intentional spotlight on our residents and beneficiaries,” said Ariel. “The focus is always on improving the experience of our residents and beneficiaries with integrity, kindness and rectitude. The board is looking forward to creative innovation and design of our programs at our existing campus and clinic. I consider myself very fortunate to be joining the team right now, supporting its heroic work in this challenging time and expanding our local and international presence.”
For the past six years, Ariel has been the executive director of Hebrew SeniorLife at NewBridge on the Charles in Dedham and Administrator at the Roslindale and Dedham campuses as well, receiving five deficiency-free state surveys. He is responsible for overall operations and management, ensuring the high quality of care for which HSL is renowned.
Ariel has more than 30 years of healthcare experience in post-acute and long-term care, which includes not only his time at HSL but also as chief operating officer at Northeast Specialty Hospital in Braintree. Prior to these posts, he was also the administrator of Miami Jewish Health System in Florida. He is a member and vice chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a trustee of LeadingAge of Massachusetts.
The Armenian Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is an 83-bed, nonprofit skilled nursing facility located in Jamaica Plain. Sponsored by the Armenian Women’s Welfare Association Inc., the center serves elderly Armenians and non-Armenians alike by providing the highest quality long-term care as well as outstanding short-term care for residents requiring rehabilitation before returning to their homes.
The Hanganak Elder Clinic, a non-governmental organization in Stepanakert, Republic of Artsakh, is a visiting nurse program fully supported by the AWWA that serves more than 200 elderly people living alone in the region of Artsakh. Started in 2004, the effort to reach the neediest individuals has recently been expanded to include 43 persons living in the isolated Askaran region.