Star Search Nominations Are Being Accepted for 40 Under Forty Class of 2014

The healthcare sector has always been a critical component of the region’s economy, so it’s no surprise that it has also been an integral part of the 40 Under Forty program launched in early 2007 by BusinessWest magazine, sister publication to HCN.

“From the beginning, we’ve had a number of winners from the broad healthcare spectrum in Western Mass.,” said Kate Campiti, assistant publisher of both HCN and BusinessWest. “This is to be expected, because this sector is one of the largest employers in the region. But there are many more currently employed in this realm who are true leaders and need to be recognized for their work — both on the job and in the community.”

That was a not-so-subtle reminder that the nomination period for the 40 Under Forty Class of 2014 is now officially underway. These nominations — the form is on page 11 and can be found online at www.businesswest.com — are due on Feb. 7. They will then be turned over to a panel of judges, with the winners to be announced in the April 21 edition of BusinessWest. Those winners will then be feted at the annual 40 Under Forty Gala on June 19 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House (more on that later).

Before an individual can ascend to the stage that night, they must be nominated, said Campiti, adding that recent classes of 40 Under Forty winners provide evidence of the breath and depth of the healthcare sector and its importance to both the region’s economy and its overall health and well-being. And they should also provide some inspiration to those thinking about nominating someone they work with — or have been touched by.

• Kam Capaccia, associate professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Western New England University College of Pharmacy and director of the Consultation and Wellness Program at Big Y on Cooley Street in Springfield;

• William Davila, division director of Outpatient Services at the Gandara Center in Springfield;

• Allison Garriss, program director at Clinical Support Options in Northampton, where she directs RECOVERe, a program that utilizes technology to help women stay sober during substance-abuse recovery;

• Annamarie Golden, manager of Community Relations and Community Benefits at Baystate Health;

• John Pantera, director of Franchise Support & Development and field consultant for Fitness Together, and owner of Elements Therapeutic Massage;

• Stacy Robison, president of CommunicateHealth in Northampton; and

• Mark Zatyrka, vice president and director of Marketing & Public Relations for the American Homecare Federation.

Meanwhile, the Class of 2012 featured:

• Scott Conrad, assistant director of Information Technology for the Center for Human Development;

• Ben Craft, then manager of Public Affairs at Baystate Medical Center;

• Jessica Crevier, executive director of the AIDS Foundation of Western Mass.;

• Dr. Ronald Laprise, chiropractor and owner of Laprise Chiropractic & Wellness;

• Danielle Lord, vice president of Operations for O’Connell Care at Home & Staffing Services;

• Neil Nordstrom, practice manager and registered nurse with Pediatric Services of Springfield; and

• Dr. Nate Somers, medical director of the Center for Human Development.

“Just those two classes show how wide and diverse the healthcare sector is, and how many true leaders we have working in this realm,” said Campiti, adding quickly that there are many success stories still to be told.

And the process of telling them begins with nominations, she said, adding that those filling them out must understand how important it is to take the assignment seriously.

“A nomination needs to be complete, it needs to be thorough, and it needs to essentially answer the question, ‘why is this individual worthy of a 40 Under Forty plaque?’”

The nomination form requests the basic information on an individual, said Campiti, and can be supported with other material, such as a résumé, testimonials, and even press clippings highlighting an individual’s achievements in their chosen profession or within their community.

Nominations must be received by the end of the business day (5 p.m.) on Feb. 7. Judges will then score those nominations, and the winners will be notified by mail by the end of the month.

As for the gala, last year, the event drew a sellout crowd of more than 650 people, who were treated to fine food, perfect weather, and an eclectic array of music chosen by the winners to accompany their ascension to the stage.

“The gala has become a happening, a not-to-be missed gathering that is also the year’s best networking opportunity,” said Campiti, adding that those who wish to attend must act quickly, because the gala traditionally sells out weeks before the event.

For more information on the program and the gala, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100. v

The Deadline: Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.

How to Nominate: Use the form on page 11 (it will also appear in subsequent editions) or visit www.businesswest.com and click on ‘our events.’

For More Information: Call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or visit www.businesswest.com.

The Forty Under Gala: June 19

Where: The Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House

Tickets: They’ll go on sale in late April and will first be made available to winners, their families, and employers.