Maria Xavier-Dowski serves as chief human resources and administrative officer (CHRO). She is a highly experienced, multi-lingual human resources and administrative professional with over 20 years of experience in human resources and financial services, 14 years of which has been working in health care.

Reporting directly to the CEO, Maria works with leaders across the organization by fostering an HR business partnership that reflects and supports OPTIMUS’ dynamic needs to create a workplace culture that embraces OPTIMUS’ mission and vision with a commitment to equity, diversity, respect, inclusion, and integrity while simultaneously ensuring OPTIMUS remains in compliance with regulatory standards pertaining to clinician credentialing and privileging as required to meet all regulatory agency requirements

In her current role, Maria is responsible for leading OPTIMUS’ overall human resources strategy, talent acquisition, leadership development, organizational design and cultural development, employee education and development, compensation, payroll and benefits, HR operations and technology as well as employee and labor relations. As CHRO, she has changed the function, culture, and impact of HR across the organization to support its business goals and strategies as well as the needs and aspirations of OPTIMUS’ 420 employees in the communities where OPTIMUS operates.

Maria has a proven record of facilitating profitability through expert development and management of corporate human resource operations including mergers and acquisitions. She has demonstrated experience in building and leading top-performing teams, and turning around troubled organizations, restructuring, and realigning human resources and other operational departments, specifically in ambulatory care settings including community health. Maria’s human resources experience extends beyond Connecticut. Prior to working in community health, Maria worked for SunBridge Health LLC as regional director of human resources, where she had direct oversight of thirteen (13) skilled nursing facilities in six states, including the northeast. SunBridge Healthcare, LLC (now Genesis Health Care) provides health care services and long-term residential care for patients and residents.

Maria holds a master’s degree in human resources management and a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, both from Sacred Heart University.