Reliant Foundation becomes independent nonprofit following Optum merger

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By Zachary Comeau

Less than 48 hours after the completion of a $28-million acquisition by Optum, Reliant Medical Group’s charitable affiliate Reliant Foundation announced it is no longer affiliated with the Worcester medical group.

“This new chapter in our foundation’s story is one of great promise and potential,” said Thomas Sullivan, new board chair of the foundation, in a press release. “We will continue supporting critical health and wellness programs across the region, and our grant-making ability will grow immensely in our new form.”

The foundation said several key changes are taking place as a result of the transition: the organization is moving from 100 Front St. to 120 Front St. in Worcester, and physicians and employees of Reliant Medical Group are no longer on the board of directors.

Instead, the board is now fully comprised of community members.

Contact information for Reliant Foundation staff has changed, and new information will soon be made available on the its website.

All donations previously made to the Reliant Medical Group-affiliated foundation will continue to support the new organization.

Reliant Foundation said it is receiving the net proceeds from the Optum acquisition and will continue to work with financial advisors to maintain the fiscal health and grant-making capabilities of the organization.

The Reliant Medical Group acquisition by Minnesota-based Optum officially closed Monday after necessary state approvals. Reliant doctors approved the deal last May.

Kelsa Zereski, the newly-named president of the foundation who previously served as director of philanthropy at Reliant Medical Group, said the organization will continue community outreach and assess opportunities to impact public health programs.