ForHealth Consulting’s Director of Strategy Lora Dumas was recently named one of Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty. This award honors the rising stars of Central Massachusetts’ business community. She was officially recognized at the awards ceremony on Sept. 25.
In her current role, Dumas leads the execution of the organization’s highest-priority initiatives within ForHealth Consulting’s strategic plan, including diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; service excellence; and purposeful growth and innovation. Her work has resulted in the launch of the Employee Advisor Program, which provides a forum for employees to offer input on the operationalization of the progressive ideas resulting from the plan.
“ForHealth Consulting’s executive leadership team has relied on Lora’s strategic and critical thinking skills to help build problem-solving capabilities across the organization,” said Katie Mick, associate executive vice chancellor for strategy and chief of staff. “Lora takes personal responsibility for the success of the projects she leads and commits herself to achieving our vision and mission to improve the healthcare experience.”
In her prior role, at the start of and through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dumas led a team of project managers in support of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services pandemic intervention and response efforts. She supported the establishment of a volunteer portal and scheduling process for the Vaccine Corps, which resulted in the administration of almost 100,000 vaccines to residents of central Massachusetts.
“I am proud and honored that my organization chose to nominate me for this award. Being selected as a ‘40 under Forty’ award recipient is amazing,” Dumas said. “I have had the pleasure of working with so many great people in my current and previous roles, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people around me who challenge me, provide me with meaningful feedback, and support me every day.”
Dumas is also committed to contributing to her Central Massachusetts community outside of her work at ForHealth Consulting. She has mentored students at Nichols College and aspiring managers at UMass Chan Medical School. Dumas has also volunteered to provide process improvement and teamwork training for members of the Boys and Girls Club in Worcester. In addition, she was selected to participate in the 2023 class of the Leadership Worcester program.
“Lora’s ability to lead others and build trusting relationships—paired with her commitment to continuous learning and performance improvement and her deep, personal investment to the Central Massachusetts community—make her an excellent selection for the Worcester Business Journal’s ‘40 under Forty,’” Mick said.
ForHealth Consulting colleagues pictured in the first photo from left to right: Jorge Sanchez, Jr. MEd, Kimberly Christoforou, Tessa Fonseca, MBA, Samantha Kennedy, Lora Dumas, Catherine (Katie) Mick, and Lisa Colombo
From left to right, are Lora’s parents, Rob and Kerrie Bouchard, along with Lora and her husband Nate Dumas.
The stage at the Worcester Business Journal “40 Under Forty” awards ceremony.