Hartford HealthCare Welcomes Fran Pastore and Chris Swift to Parent Board
Hartford, CT — Hartford HealthCare is proud to announce the addition of accomplished leaders Fran Pastore, CEO and founder of the Women’s Business Development Council, and Christopher Swift, Chair of The Hartford, to the health system’s Board of Directors. With decades of experience and a shared commitment to improving lives, Pastore and Swift will strengthen Hartford HealthCare’s mission to transform healthcare by prioritizing affordability, access, excellence, and equity for all.
Fran Pastore is a trailblazer in economic development and gender equity. As the CEO and founder of the Women’s Business Development Council, she has spent more than 27 years supporting women entrepreneurs across Connecticut, fostering job creation and financial stability. Her background includes advising on state and national policies that strengthen the economy by promoting equitable business opportunities.
Pastore’s dedication to empowering individuals and improving economic inclusion aligns seamlessly with Hartford HealthCare’s mission to reduce health disparities and improve access to quality care in all communities.
"Fran Pastore brings a remarkable combination of leadership, vision, and a deep commitment to economic empowerment that will greatly enrich the Hartford HealthCare Board. Her expertise in fostering innovation and driving equity will help us continue to transform healthcare and strengthen the communities we serve. We are honored to have her insight and passion as part of our team," said Jeff Flaks, President and CEO, Hartford HealthCare.
As Chairman and CEO, Swift heads a leading company in property and casualty insurance, group benefits and mutual funds that is widely recognized for its service excellence, trust and integrity. Swift brings extensive experience in corporate leadership and a strong commitment to community service. Under his leadership, The Hartford has expanded its capabilities and geographic reach through organic growth and strategic investments while making a positive impact in communities, echoing Hartford HealthCare’s core value of excellence in care and commitment to community well-being. His understanding of sustainable, scalable strategies will be instrumental as Hartford HealthCare seeks to create long-lasting impacts on affordability and access in healthcare.
"Christopher Swift is a visionary leader whose extensive experience in strategic growth, financial stewardship, and community engagement will be invaluable to Hartford HealthCare. His proven ability to navigate complex industries and his unwavering commitment to making a difference will help us drive innovation and enhance the care we provide to our communities. We are thrilled to welcome him to our Board," said Flaks.
With these appointments, Hartford HealthCare’s board gains two advocates who have dedicated their careers to fostering positive change and community support. Their guidance will bolster Hartford HealthCare’s efforts to make healthcare more inclusive, ensure that services reach those most in need, and maintain its relentless pursuit of quality and innovation in all areas of care.
“Healthcare is at an inflection point,” said Flaks. “With Fran Pastore and Chris Swift joining our board, we are poised to advance our mission and deliver an even higher standard of care, bringing equity, affordability, and excellence to every person we serve across Connecticut.”
About Hartford HealthCare
With 43,000 colleagues, Hartford HealthCare’s unified culture enhances access, affordability, equity and expertise. Its care-delivery system — with more than 500 locations serving 185 towns and cities — includes two tertiary-level teaching hospitals, an acute-care community teaching hospital, an acute-care hospital and trauma center, three community hospitals, a behavioral health network, a multispecialty physician group, a clinical care organization, a regional home care system, an array of senior care services, a mobile neighborhood health program and a comprehensive physical therapy and rehabilitation network. Hartford Healthcare has been recognized by Leapfrog as having the safest hospitals in the country. On average, Hartford HealthCare touches more than 17,000 lives every single day. The unique, system-wide Institute Model offers a unified high standard of care in crucial specialties at hospital and ambulatory sites across Connecticut offering unparalleled expertise at the most affordable cost. The institutes include: Ayer Neuroscience, Cancer, Digestive Health, Heart and Vascular and Tallwood Urology & Kidney. Visit Hartford HealthCare at www.HartfordHealthCare.org and stay connected through newsletters and social media.