Eastman Dental’s John Borrelli Receives Meliora Award

John Borrelli.

Time. Energy. Heart. That’s what John Borrelli brings every day to his job as director of finance and administration at the Eastman Dental Center. They are themes that appear repeatedly in comments from colleagues who nominated Borrelli for the University’s Meliora Award.

With the University since 1987, he oversees about 185 staff members and works closely with several departments as well as state representatives and community leaders.

Borrelli is credited with leading a Medicaid rate appeal, which, to date, has resulted in $372,000 in payments to the dental center. Eastman Dental Center provides care to two out of every three Medicaid patients in the greater Rochester area. The rate appeal and increase helps the center continue its commitment to quality care. He also played an integral role in the successful bid for a Health Care Efficiency and Affordability Law (HEAL) state grant, in which the center was awarded $3,925,000 to expand oral health care services in Rochester’s underserved communities.

“The knowledge and fortitude that John has exhibited during the (Medicaid rate appeal) is symptomatic of his invaluable work ethic,” writes Michael Goonan, vice president and CFO of the Medical Center, in his nomination letter.

Cyril Meyerowitz, director of the Eastman Dental Center, says Borrelli always strives for excellence.

“He undoubtedly exemplifies the University’s motto, “Ever Better,” and is committed to advancing Eastman Dental Center well into the future,” Meyerowitz writes in his nomination.

Borrelli says he’s honored to receive the Meliora Award and says it reflects the hard work and dedication of the dental center team.

“The favorite part of my job is working with fantastic employees who give their best every day,” he says. “Without them I could not perform my role.”
http://www.rochester.edu/working/hr/awards/meliora/2009.html