The Waterbury Regional Chamber’s annual Mayoral Luncheon offers an important forum for a City update, drawing an audience of more than 350 business professionals. This year, Mayor Paul Pernerewski, Jr. addressed key issues affecting the local business community and outlined his administration’s vision for the future of the city. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage directly with the Mayor during a question-and-answer session.
Saint Mary's Leadership Team attend the Waterbury Mayoral Luncheon. Left to right, Cheryl Hilton, CHWB Manager; Dr. Husnain Kermalli, CMO; Shawna Edwards, CNO; and Dr. Robert Roose, President of Saint Mary's and Community Hospitals.
As a proud and long-standing Chamber member, Saint Mary’s Hospital was honored to sponsor the event and share remarks with the audience. Representing Saint Mary’s, Robert Roose, M.D., MPH, President of Saint Mary’s and Community Hospitals for Trinity Health Of New England, delivered a thoughtful address centered on the theme of trust — the foundation of both strong health care and strong communities.
With the luncheon taking place just ahead of Mother’s Day and during National Nurses Week, Dr. Roose shared a touching story about his mother, a nurse who embodied trust through her unwavering care for both her family and her patients. Her example continues to inspire the work we do each day at Saint Mary’s.
Dr. Roose also spoke about Saint Mary’s deepening commitment to the community, highlighting our growth in providers and services, and reinforcing that being part of a community means earning and keeping its trust — not only by showing up, but by giving back. That principle is central to our Mission.
Equally important as growth is safety, and Dr. Roose was proud to share that Saint Mary’s recently earned an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group — a national hospital safety watchdog — for the fourth time in five reporting periods. This recognition is a testament to the trust our patients place in us and to the dedication and excellence of our entire team.