Upham’s Community Care (UCC) welcomes first Chief Sustainability Officer, Maricely Pérez-Alers

Upham’s Community Care (UCC) welcomes first Chief Sustainability Officer, Maricely Pérez-Alers

A board-driven role, Maricely will be supporting UCC’s mission by leading initiatives that promote growth, build internal cross-collaboration, and strengthen external partnerships.

Maricely began at UCC in 2002 as a PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) physical therapist and rehab manager. Since then, she has held several leadership positions, including PACE Center Manager and Quality and Strategic Operations Director.

After 21 years with UCC, Maricely has seen the value of community health first-hand.

“In community health care you develop strong relationships and you make an impact on the people that you serve. Community health focuses on delivering care in equitable ways and making sure that people have what they need.”

The opportunity to serve the Boston community on a larger scale motivated Maricely to accept the CSO position.

“This position allows me to weave all my interests together- working with the community, developing internal collaborations, building upon external partnerships, and innovating to provide our patients with the best care.”

During her tenure at PACE, Maricely played a critical role in opening the in Nubian Square, Roxbury/JP line, and the Supportive Housing Units co-located with a PACE center. Most recently, she has collaborated with JPNDC to have UCC involved in the development of the Cheney Homes Supportive Housing Development.

She is committed to expanding UCC’s involvement with services that mitigate housing instability.

“I’m excited to see how UCC’s integrated services such as Eye & Dental, Behavioral Health, Community Outreach, SCO (Senior Care Options) and PACE can address housing instability as a social determinant of health and allow people to age securely within their community.”

Maricely is inspired by UCC’s ability to impact multiple neighborhoods in the Boston area. She believes UCC’s deep sense of community is what makes the organization unique.

“The people make UCC so special- the people we serve and the people who work here.”

Maricely holds a Bachelor’s in Exercise Physiology, and a Master’s and Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She is an alumnus of LeadBoston, YW Boston’s socially responsible management program. Maricely is an active member in her Jamaica Plain community, and serves on the Board of Directors of Rosie’s Place, an influential haven helping homeless women find opportunity and security in their lives.