Andrew Freilich serves as Ascentria Care Alliance’s Chief of Strategic Business Development, leading the development and implementation of innovative partnerships, growth opportunities, and acquisitions across Ascentria’s senior care and community service divisions. He is responsible for evaluating and shaping new ventures—from concept through completion—ensuring each aligns with Ascentria’s mission and long-term vision for community well-being. With more than two decades of leadership experience in senior living and health care operations, Andrew brings deep expertise in both the business and human sides of care. Before joining Ascentria, he served as Executive Director at Rogerson Communities’ Briarwood Senior Living, overseeing a 313-unit continuing care retirement community that offered independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. Earlier in his career, Andrew spent more than sixteen years with SALMON Health and Retirement, where he held executive roles at The Willows communities in Worcester and Medway. His leadership there was instrumental in guiding resident-centered programs, operational excellence, and organizational growth. A graduate of Northeastern University, Andrew holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management. His approach to business development is both strategic and relational—focused on building meaningful collaborations that expand access, innovation, and sustainability in senior living.

Angela Bovill is president and CEO of Ascentria Care Alliance. She joined the organization in 2008 as chief financial officer, was named chief operating officer in 2011, and became president and CEO in January 2013. Angela stands at the forefront of an effort to address the root causes of societal challenges, catalyze change and redefine impact with her transformative approach. She brings a visionary perspective, grounded in compassion and innovation, to every endeavor. Under Angela’s leadership, Ascentria has undergone a remarkable evolution. Rejecting the status quo, she has instilled a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. By working across communities and disciplines, forging alliances and sowing equity, and by making every resource count, for today and the future, Ascentria is building a thriving New England. Beyond her role at Ascentria, Angela is a sought-after thought leader and advocate for a more human-centered model of care. Through keynote speeches, panelist participation, and strategic partnerships, she amplifies marginalized voices and advocates for policies that promote equity and opportunity for all. Before joining Ascentria, Angela was general manager of Digital Services for IDEXX Laboratories, where she worked for 17 years in business development, mergers and acquisitions, and turnarounds. Angela graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern Maine, majoring in Economics, and earned an MBA with honors from Boston University. She has also earned the designation of Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). As president and CEO of Ascentria, Angela has led a transformation of the nonprofit – streamlining, rebranding and changing the model of care to be more human-centered and partnership-focused. With a new vision, name, strategy and leadership team, Ascentria is leading the human services sector in innovation and holistic care.

April Kelly joined Ascentria in August of 2021 as chief of staff. As past owner of a consulting firm, she brings to the organization a proven skillset in team leadership, project management and owner representation working with various non-profit organizations as well as both public and private entities for the successful management and completion of simultaneous capital development projects, while minimizing risk to the organizations. She also holds real estate licensure in multiple states in addition to business educator and educational administration licensing in the area of secondary education in Massachusetts and Connecticut. April holds a Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA) from Clark University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Wentworth Institute of Technology, and an Associate of Science in Architectural Engineering from Wentworth Institute.

Brenna Schneider joined Ascentria in December of 2024 as the Chief Innovation and Business Development Officer, where she leads the charge in developing innovative solutions and pioneering new business and funding models to tackle systemic social challenges. A social entrepreneur, Brenna is passionate about creating lasting change through inclusive innovation. She brings more than a decade of experience in launching, scaling, and transforming mission-driven organizations. Before joining Ascentria, Brenna founded and served as CEO of 99Degrees, a U.S. manufacturing social enterprise based in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Under her leadership, 99Degrees grew to employ a team of over 400, producing apparel and wearable technologies for some of the world’s leading brands. 99Degrees’ innovative approach to employer-led economic mobility was recognized with top prizes by MIT’s Inclusive Innovation Competition and business accelerators including MassChallenge. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, and the Boston Globe, and she has appeared on NPR and MSNBC. The Boston Globe named her a 2017 Game Changer in 2017, and a 2022 Tech Power Player. Brenna holds an MBA in Social Impact Management from Brandeis University’s Heller School and a BA in International Studies and Economics from Washington College. When not at work, she loves to spend time with her family hiking in the White Mountains, volunteering, working on creative projects, and digging in the dirt.

As Chief Advancement and Community Engagement Officer, Gary leads Ascentria’s Advancement portfolio—including fundraising, marketing and communications, advocacy, and community engagement—to create outsized influence across the region. His work ensures that every message, partnership, and philanthropic investment amplifies Ascentria’s mission and expands its impact. He is a mission-focused executive with a career history of building and leading transformational programs that support individuals, families, and youth and create pathways to opportunity for all. Prior to joining Ascentria, Gary served in a dual role as President and Board Chair of the Bright Horizons Foundation for Children and SVP, Employee Engagement for Bright Horizons. On behalf of the Foundation, he steered operations, financial management, partnerships, and volunteer engagement to create play spaces for underserved populations in a range of settings including homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, and other community agencies. As SVP, Employee Engagement, he led the creation of a research-focused, employee-centric approach to building a supportive, inclusive work culture across the company. The company was regularly recognized as a Best Place to Work nationally and locally during his tenure. Gary has also held youth-focused roles including as a teacher, advisor, coach, and mental health counselor. Gary holds an ED.M. in Counseling Psychology from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education, along with a B.A. in Economics from Hamilton College.

Kristine joined Ascentria in September of 2023 as Chief Financial Officer. She brings to Ascentria an impressive wealth of experience ensuring the financial health of large, complex organizations. Most recently, she held the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer at South Shore Health System where she set finance, investment and debt strategy overseeing the financial well-being of this not-for-profit, charitable health system. Previously to that, in her role as Senior Vice President at Tufts Medicine Health System, Kristine served as the senior local finance leader providing strategic advisory and analysis services to Tufts Medical Center. Kristine’s excellence was recognized when named in Becker’s Hospital Review as One of the Top Hospital and Health System CFO’s to Know 2016- 2023. Kristine’s impressive history of making a substantial impact in her previous roles is a clear indicator of the positive influence she will have on Ascentria’s financial health and overall success as we continue to grow and prosper in the years ahead. Graduating from Bentley University, Kristine holds an Associate of Science in Management, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, and a Master of Science in Taxation.

As Chief Technology Officer, Paul Halstead leads Ascentria’s technology strategy—advancing innovation, security, and data systems that empower staff to serve individuals, families, and communities across New England. Paul has been a key member of Ascentria’s leadership team for nearly 16 years, driving transformative growth in the organization’s digital infrastructure. Since joining in 2009, he has held a progression of leadership roles—including Information Technology Manager, Senior Director of Information Technology, and Vice President of Information Technology—culminating in his appointment as Chief Technology Officer in 2025. Under Paul’s leadership, Ascentria has modernized its enterprise systems, strengthened cybersecurity, and implemented technology solutions that improve collaboration, efficiency, and client care. His strategic focus ensures that technology serves not only operational excellence but also Ascentria’s mission to build vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. Before joining Ascentria, Paul led business technology consulting at Zubuk Inc. and managed IT systems for Merrimack County Savings Bank.

Sharon Fletcher is an accomplished healthcare executive with extensive experience leading complex organizations through growth, transformation, operational improvement, and strategic change. Throughout her career, she has held senior executive and CEO roles across healthcare delivery, managed care, senior services, health benefits, technology-enabled healthcare, and integrated health systems, with a strong commitment to improving access, quality, and outcomes for the individuals and communities these organizations serve. Most recently, Sharon served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Managed Care North America for Birdsong Hearing Benefits & its Affiliates, where she provided executive leadership across five business units within the managed care organization. Her responsibilities included strategic, operational, financial, and organizational leadership, with a significant focus on healthcare solutions serving the senior population. Her work with seniors has strengthened a long-standing passion for senior healthcare and for ensuring older adults have access to high-quality, compassionate, coordinated services that support their health, independence, and quality of life. Her previous executive leadership includes serving as President of Fluent Health, part of Presbyterian Healthcare Services, as well as leadership roles with CommunityCare Health Plan of Oklahoma, Noridian Healthcare Solutions, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. Across these organizations, Sharon has built and led high-performing teams, developed new business models, strengthened operations, and worked across clinical, financial, and administrative disciplines. Sharon holds a PhD from Northcentral University, an Executive Juris Doctor (EJD) from Purdue Global, a Master’s degree in Executive Christian Leadership from Colorado Christian University, an MBA from the University of Mary, an MS from La Roche University, and a Bachelor of Science from Point Park University. She also completed an Executive Leadership Program in Finance through Cornell University. Sharon brings to Ascentria a combination of healthcare expertise, executive leadership, and a deeply held commitment to serving seniors and vulnerable populations. She is particularly passionate about building strong teams and sustainable organizations that enable mission-driven services to have a meaningful and lasting impact on the people and communities they serve.

As Chief Community Services Officer, Stephanie McCarthy provides strategic leadership for Ascentria’s broad network of community-based programs serving children, families, and individuals across New England. A dedicated member of the Ascentria team for more than 27 years, Stephanie began her journey with the organization as an intern in 1997 and has since held a progression of leadership roles—including Family Specialist, Program Manager, Director, Senior Director, and most recently Vice President of Children and Family Services in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Throughout her career, Stephanie has been instrumental in shaping and growing many of Ascentria’s most vital services, including foster care, teen parenting, refugee youth support, and legal aid for immigrants. Her leadership is marked by integrity, compassion, and a steadfast belief in the potential of every child and family Ascentria serves. Stephanie’s deep institutional knowledge, commitment to equity, and heart for service continue to inspire those around her as she guides Ascentria’s community services toward a future of greater impact and inclusion.