Baystate Health Announces New Board Leadership, Thanks Trustees for Service

Springfield, MASS. – Baystate Health, a $3.4B integrated delivery network of hospitals, physician practices, health plan and more in Western Massachusetts, is pleased to announce new leadership of its Board of Trustees, with Dr. Akinyele Lovelace serving as Chair and Attorney Tony Dos Santos serving as Vice Chair. Both bring extensive leadership experience and deep community connections, as well as valuable expertise in their respective fields and diverse skill sets.

“The leadership of our Board of Trustees is essential to Baystate Health’s role as a health and economic pillar for our region,” said Peter D. Banko, President & CEO of Baystate Health. “Dr. Lovelace and Attorney Dos Santos possess the values, experience, and community commitment we need as we continue our journey to provide compassionate, quality and accessible care, grow consistent with our strategic plan – Baystate Health 2030, and build financial resilience.”

Dr. Akinyele Lovelace

Dr. Akinyele Lovelace is a board-certified internist and partner at Family Medicine Associates in Westfield, where he leads an independent, multidisciplinary primary care practice focused on value-based care and is committed to expanding patient access through the use of technology and virtual nursing support.

Dr. Lovelace has been an active leader in the regional healthcare community, including six years of service on the Baystate Health Board of Trustees, most recently as Vice Chair. In partnership with his wife, Christina Lovelace, he served as Honorary Chair of the Baystate Noble Ball in 2024. He is affiliated with Baystate Noble Hospital, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Baystate Wing Hospital and Baystate Medical Center.

Dr. Lovelace earned a Bachelor of Science from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. After practicing medicine in Texas and earning an MBA from Texas Tech University, he returned to the East Coast in 2015 to join Family Medicine Associates. Since returning, Dr. Lovelace has focused his work on advancing primary care, clinical leadership, and innovative models that improve access and outcomes for patients across Western Massachusetts. Outside of his professional work, he and his wife are raising two teenage daughters in the community, further grounding his commitment to the health and well-being of families across the region.

Attorney Tony Dos Santos

Attorney Tony Dos Santos, managing shareholder at Crear, Chadwell, Dos Santos & Devlin, P.C., brings more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, finance, and business law to the board and his new role as Vice Chair. He represents businesses in matters including entity formation, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and financing. He also brings nonprofit experience, currently serving as general counsel to a local nonprofit organization where he advises on day-to-day operations and the development of affordable housing across Massachusetts and the United States.

Dos Santos has been a community leader for many years. He has served a local municipality in various capacities including Chair of the Board of Selectman, Chair of its Finance Committee, and as Town Moderator. He is the Chair of DevelopSpringfield and the past Chair of the Board of Westmass Area Development Corporation.

Dos Santos earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston College and his juris doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He has received various professional honors from Massachusetts Lawyer’s Weekly, Boston Magazine, Super Lawyers Magazine and BusinessWest.

Banko also expressed appreciation for the contributions of Baystate Health’s Trustees, past and present.

“I am deeply grateful to all current and former members of our Board of Trustees for their dedication to Baystate Health,” Banko said. “Their leadership and commitment have helped us manage change while delivering on our commitment to serving our communities, while keeping care local. Over the past year, their hard work has supported important progress with our transformation efforts through operational improvement and growth that has stabilized our financial performance, allowing us to reinvest in our people, technology, and patient care.”