CARIBOU, Maine — Cary Medical Center has named Benjamin Willey to the position of chief facilities and project officer. Cary CEO Kris Doody, RN made the announcement as Willey began his orientation at the hospital, January 2. In making the announcement, Doody pointed out that Willey brings a key set of skills and experience.
“We are so pleased that Ben has accepted this new and challenging opportunity,” said Doody who is also CEO for Pines Health Services. “He brings natural leadership skills and his experience both as a private business owner of multiple companies and managing the large housing complex at Lyndon Heights will serve him very well in this position which includes maintenance, facilities, grounds, environment of care, life safety, nutritional services, security services, projects and other support services.”
Willey is a 2005 graduate of Caribou High School, and holds a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Maine at Fort Kent. His past experience includes the management of some 180 dwellings, including Lyndon Heights, a large housing complex in Caribou. He was responsible for all aspects of the business including all regulatory requirements, accounting, personnel management, buildings and grounds maintenance. Commenting on his new position, Willey said that he is looking forward to joining the Cary Medical Center family.
“I see Cary Medical Center as a highly professional and community-oriented organization,” he said. “The hospital is a fundamental aspect of Caribou. Not only in the care that they provide to our community, but as the city’s largest employer. Cary’s employees and families are part of the fabric of our community. Together with payroll, local purchasing, and job creation the hospital has a major financial impact on this entire region.”
Doody said that she was impressed with Willey during the COVID-19 pandemic when, in 2020, Lyndon Heights had an outbreak of the virus.
“When the outbreak occurred Ben called me to see what the hospital could do to help,” said Doody. “I contacted Dr. Carl Flynn and, together with a crew from our operating room, we went to Lyndon Heights and tested every resident. Throughout the process, I was impressed that Ben knew all the residents in the facility by name, he knew their situation and he was totally committed to their wellbeing, including offering to deliver groceries. That is the way we want people to be cared for at our hospital, it is the Cary way, and Ben just seemed to come by it naturally. That will make him a great fit for our organization.”
Willey is currently completing his orientation at Cary and said that, in addition to his work as administrator of multiple departments, he also wants to focus on workforce development and building relationships.
“I think the hospital has good managers in maintenance, security, and other areas of support services,” said Willey. “I am anxious to get to know the people and look at ways we can work together with a common goal of excellence. I am particularly interested in workforce development, helping people grow in the organization and meeting the demands of recruitment and retention.”
Willey has been involved in a number of community organizations including Junior Achievement, Jobs for Maine Graduates, Leadership Aroostook, and he currently serves on the board of directors for ‘Facilities Inc.’, a property management company. Doody said that she has encouraged Willey to continue these activities.
“Cary Medical Center was one of the original members of the Aroostook Partnership and we support Ben’s involvement in ‘Leadership Aroostook’ as well as his work with Junior Achievement. We have a lot of talented young people here in Caribou and throughout the County and Ben has done some great work with these students.”
Willey is a member of the Holy Rosary church in Caribou. He resides in Caribou with his wife Ashley, and their two daughters Natalie and Viviana. He pointed out that one of the things that attracted him to Cary was the hospital’s family culture.
“Having that balance between work and family is so important to me,” said Willey. “Cary believes in helping all of its staff to find that balance and it is so clear in the culture they have built here.”
The job that Willey is taking came about when former Cary Chief Operating Officer Leslie Anderson left her position to relocate with her husband to southern Maine. Chelsea Desrosiers, Cary’s chief financial officer, was then promoted to CFO/COO.
