Executive Management

An Exceptional Leadership Team

StayWell’s Executive Management team is guided by leaders who excel in their area of expertise, and are committed to the health and wellness of patients, the organization, and the community.

Don Thompson CEO

Donald Thompson, MPS

President/Chief Executive Officer
Phone: (203)756-8021 ext. 3016

Don has been with StayWell since 1985 and has served as the agency’s CEO since 1995. He received a Master of Professional Studies degree with a focus on Health Service Administration from Quinnipiac University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Central Connecticut State University. Don is currently a board member of Community Health Network, the Community Health Center Association of Connecticut, Brass City Charter School and E-Health CT. Born and raised in Waterbury, Don still calls the city his home. He has five children whom he enjoys traveling with and visiting with them in their various homes across the country.

Management Dr. Tess Lombard

Tess Lombard, MD

Chief Medical Officer
Phone: (203)756-8021 ext. 3002

Dr. Lombard came to StayWell in August of 2017 as our Chief Medical Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairfield University in Biology with minors in Psychology and Economics. During her undergrad, she was elected Alpha Epsilon Delta, the pre-medical honor society. Dr. Lombard attended medical school at New York Medical College where she was also elected to be Alpha Omega Alpha, the Medical Honor Society. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport CT. Dr. Lombard went on to receive her Masters Degree in Business Administration at the University of Hartford where she was also elected a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Business Honor Society and was the recipient of the Edith Cartin Award. Currently, she is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the American Association for Physician Leadership and a certified Physician Executive. She is also a Fellow of the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians.

Management Lule Tracey

Lule Tracey, MST

Chief Financial Officer
Phone: (203)756-8021 ext. 3015

Lule has served as CFO at StayWell since 1999. As CFO, Lule provides leadership for all planning and control of the fiscal, financial, accounting, procurement and budgeting efforts, billing functions, and IT operations at StayWell. She holds a Master of Science degree in Taxation, with a certificate in Corporate Tax, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Lule is also a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, the Kappa Alpha Theta Society, and the Daughters of Penelope. Before coming to StayWell, Lule spent eight years in banking and two years as CFO at the Hispanic Health Council. She is currently an active member of the Greek Church in Waterbury, including philanthropic efforts such as fundraising and event planning. Lule and her husband have three children. She enjoys traveling, dancing, and gardening in her spare time.

Management Christine Bianchi

Christine Bianchi, MSW, LCSW

Chief Development Officer
Phone: (203)756-8021 ext. 3018

Christine has been a part of StayWell leadership since 1995. She has had positions of increasing responsibility and in 2011 was named Chief Development Officer. Christine is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and holds a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of St. Joseph in Connecticut making her a valuable member of the Executive Management Team. A passionate patient advocate, Christine has tirelessly worked to expand the community programs that StayWell provides. She also chairs the Bridge to Success Community Council and co-chairs the Consumer Access Subcommittee for the Connecticut Legislative Medical Assistance Program Oversight Council. Christine serves on the steering committee of the CT Mission of Mercy. Christine and her husband, Bill, have three sons. In addition to volunteer work at Blessed Sacrament Church, the Bristol Gladiators and Chase Collegiate School, she spends her free time with her family and staying active through yoga, tennis, and running.

Management Dr. Amit Patel

Dr. Amit Patel, DDS

Dental Director
Phone: (203)756-8021 ext. 3514

Dr. Patel joined StayWell as its first Dental Director in 2001 and has built the program into an exemplary program. He holds a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from St. John’s University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Connecticut State Dental Association, and the Greater Waterbury Dental Society. As the Dental Director, Dr. Patel oversees dental services at all sites, including the mobile dental program, Smile Builders. He and his wife have two children who keep them very busy.

Management Lynn Tripp

Lynn Tripp

Human Resource Director
Phone: (203)756-8021 ext. 3017

Lynn has been a member of the StayWell team since 2007. She holds an Associate degree from Briarwood College and Professional in Human Resources Certification from the HR Certification Institute. As the Human Resources Director, Lynn is an integral member of the StayWell staff and Executive Management Team. Using her own commitment and experiences in seeking health and wellness Lynn started the StayWell Wellness Committee and oversees all HR related functions including hiring and credentialing services. Lynn is a lifelong resident of Waterbury and strongly believes in the mission of StayWell and the improvement of her community. 

StayWell Health Center provides comprehensive services to meet the needs of our patients.

With more than 10 locations in Waterbury, CT, we are here to serve you!