UMass Memorial Health has named Jeff Biesczat as its next CFO, bringing in a former Chicago-area health executive to succeed Sergio Melgar, who plans to retire in January.
The Worcester-based nonprofit hospital system and clinical partner of UMass Chan Medical School announced the appointment on Wednesday.
Biesczat spent 14 years with the organization now known as Endeavor Health, a nonprofit health system operating nine hospitals in and around Chicago. His most recent title there was system senior vice president, finance and accounting.
“Jeff is a highly respected healthcare finance executive whose experience leading large, complex health systems will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and strengthen our organization for the future,” Dr. Eric Dickson, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health, said in the announcement.
Sergio Melgar has been with UMass Memorial Health since January 2014.
Biesczat obtained an MBA in finance and strategy from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, according to his LinkedIn profile.
Before entering healthcare, Biesczat spent about 12 years in finance roles at Wrigley, the Chicago-based candy and chewing gum maker acquired by Mars Inc. in 2008.
The transition comes as hospitals face uncertainty over labor costs and the impact of federal policy changes.
In December, credit rating agency Fitch Ratings affirmed UMass Memorial Health’s A- rating with a stable outlook. Fitch cited uneven performance during fiscal 2025 but said results improved in the second half.
UMass Memorial Health operates hospitals and other healthcare services across Central Massachusetts, including in Worcester, Milford, Marlborough, Leominster and Southbridge.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, and primarily covers the real estate and banking & finance industries.
