Get to Know – Donna Rey

What inspired you to join the Northeast Business Group on Health (NEBGH) board, and how has your experience been so far?

“I was pleased when I was asked to join the Board of the Northeast Business Group on Health because I believe that health is foundational to fulfilling dreams and enjoying life. We recognize that no two people have the same health journey. That’s why serving on a board where members have diverse experiences and perspectives is so appealing to me. We all have the common goal of providing comprehensive healthcare to our members or employees, although organizations may have different approaches to getting there.

“Thus far, my experience has been both fruitful and enjoyable. I’ve been able to connect with fellow board members who share common goals and exchange best practices that we in turn use to support the health and wellness of our healthcare workers. My leadership team has also had the opportunity to learn from the engaging webinars and conferences that NEBGH offers”

Can you share a little about your role at the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds and how it intersects with the mission of NEBGH?

“I am honored to serve as the  Executive Director of the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds and CEO of Funds Administrative Operations. Our mission is to care for those who care for others: our hospital, nursing home and home care workers. We provide their health, wellness and pension benefits, as well as those programs and resources that help improve the lives of our members—the 1199SEIU healthcare workers and retirees and their families. NEBGH’s core mission includes serving as a forum for its members to explore today’s healthcare issues, as well as finding practical solutions to prioritize worker/employee health and well-being. The Benefit Funds are self-administered and self-funded health plans, which means part of our day-to-day focus is on protecting our members’ healthcare dollars so they can get the care they deserve. Being a member of NEBGH provides the right platform and the right people with whom to brainstorm and share best practices. NEBGH also does pertinent research in the health field and we are happy to explore ways in which we can contribute to the breadth of research available through our partnership with NEBGH.”

What personal or professional accomplishments are you most proud of?

“One recent accomplishment that I am so proud of is our Healthy Living Initiative, which supports members wherever they are on their health journeys to improve their physical and emotional health through a variety of programs and resources. Thousands of members have embraced this movement to take meaningful healthy actions to transform their lives. And, what’s more, our members have found ways to encourage and support each other on their journeys to better health. They have been able to be a source of inspiration and motivation for one another even through their own respective health challenges. In fact, last year we launched a Members Voices campaign and it has become one of our most popular video series yet. Through it, members openly share stories of their health journey with us and their fellow 1199ers. They are quite moving! I believe what makes our health plans truly special is the trust our members place in each other and in us. We are more than just health plans—we are a community.”

How do you envision the future of healthcare benefits evolving, especially in the context of equity and accessibility?

“Our members are in a unique situation, which is especially important in today’s healthcare system. Both 1199SEIU employers and the Union agree that protecting healthcare workers’ benefits is paramount to supporting a healthy workforce and patient care in New York. We know that many of the communities in which our members live and work are lacking in some of those things that are essential to support a healthy lifestyle. And, while we can only spend our benefit dollars on our members, we hope that many of our healthy living values, programs and resources have a ripple effect throughout their communities, reaching families, friends, patients, residents and clients. We touch the lives of many. So, when healthy eating, moving and living happens for our members, it impacts their families and we change communities.”

What do you enjoy doing outside of work that helps you recharge and stay passionate about your field?

“Well, you know, it’s a truism that laughter is the best medicine and it’s something that I just love to do with friends and family. But I am equally passionate about building in laughter and fun with my team. It brings us closer together and supports our collective commitment to the work that we do every day to support our members. 

Of course, I must admit that a competing and opposite recharge pleasure of mine is spending quiet time on the beach.”