Central MA Health Foundation Has New Director Of Programs

WORCESTER, MA — A longtime philanthropic organization in Worcester has announced a leadership change.

Juli True Dooley has been appointed as the director of programs at The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, the organization announced on Tuesday.

The Worcester-based organization works to improve the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts. It has granted over $62 million to 250 organizations since it launched in 1999.

In the new role, Dooley will oversee the organization's grantmaking programs, which include the Synergy Initiative, Activation Fund and Board Designated Grants.

She will also work closely with community members, capacity-building partners and peers within the philanthropy and nonprofit sectors to promote health equity through the organization's grantmaking.

Dooley brings extensive experience in community health in Central Massachusetts, according to The Health Foundation's CEO Amie Shei. “She has a keen understanding of the region’s greatest health needs and a passion for improving access to care, which will make her an invaluable asset to our team," Shei said.

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Dooley previously served as the senior vice president of advancement and communications at the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, which serves 35,000 individuals of all ages across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts.

In the role she held for eight years, Dooley oversaw and grew the center's fundraising strategy. She also led the center's marketing, communications and community relations efforts.

She earned a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College in Norton and holds a master's degree in business administration from Babson College.

In addition to earning a certificate from the Moakley Center for Public Health Management at Suffolk University, she was also named one of Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 for 2025.

“As someone who both grew up and worked in this community, I’ve long admired the vital work of The Health Foundation and the meaningful impact it has on the health and wellbeing of people across the region,” Dooley said in a news release. “It’s an honor and privilege to now join this effort and help carry its mission forward.”

Dooley's appointment comes a little over a week after The Health Foundation elected a woman, Christie L. Hager, to its Board of Directors for the first time in its 27-year history.

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