She walks six days a week with the same friend…six days a week for the past 22 years. It’s that kind of lasting relationship that carries over into Carissa Neubig’s history with health care, from her career start as a physical therapist to her new position as executive director at Senior Whole Health in Meriden.
Neubig, 49, has brought her desire to make an impact with patients to the organization which serves Medicare and Medicaid recipients in the Hartford, New Haven, and Middlesex counties.
“My favorite part of the job has been pulling pieces together and making them work,” said the Wallingford resident and mother of two. “It has allowed me new opportunity to learn a different part of health care and use my strengths.”
Neubig received her bachelor’s degree from Quinnipiac University in physical therapy. The North Branford native went on to the University of New Haven where she received her master’s in business administration with a concentration in marketing.
“Going from clinical to marketing was my first foray out of physical therapy,” Neubig said. “It was too far away from patients and I didn’t get that impact from working with them.”
Her first job at Gaylord Hospital turned into a 27-year career with opportunities to work in different aspects of the hospital’s operations, including eventually becoming chief operating officer.
“It is unusual these days to spend a whole career in one place, but I was so fortunate to be given new challenges and learning opportunities as the ‘jack of all trades,’” said Neubig.
After streamlining Gaylord’s operations, Neubig eliminated her own position as chief operating officer and decided to move on despite Gaylord offering her another position.
“I wanted to try my hand at something else,” Neubig said. “The job search process was daunting at first. It was hard not having a job for six months, but I got to meet lots of people and see different opportunities along the way.”
Neubig found a new challenge at Senior Whole Health that will keep her in close contact with patients in need.
“I’m getting exposure to this new segment of patient care, moving from payer to provider,” she said. “I’m just very fortunate.”
Emily Boisvert is a Hartford Business Journal staff writer.
