Enea takes over as Herkimer County HealthNet leader

HERKIMER — The woman who had been serving as a program coordinator for Herkimer County HealthNet is now serving as the organization’s executive director.

The nonprofit on April 30 announced it had appointed Elyse Enea to succeed Dr. Thomas Curnow, who retired from HealthNet at the end of 2018. 

Herkimer County HealthNet offers programs to address health and human-service needs in Herkimer County, seeking to improve the health of area residents.

“Elyse has vast knowledge of the organization and is passionate about the work that HealthNet does in the community,” Kathy Fox, president of the organization’s board of directors, said in a news release. “The board is looking forward to working with Elyse to continue to improve the health and well-being of individuals in Herkimer County.” 

Fox introduced Enea at the HealthNet board of directors meeting on April 22. She has been employed by Herkimer County HealthNet since February 2013. Her work has included implementing each of the “Mohawk Valley Mile” programs in the villages of Frankfort, Ilion, and Mohawk, and two programs in the village of Herkimer. In addition, she received her certification as a master trainer in the chronic disease self-management program. 

She is also a diabetes self-management peer leader and teaches the management program along with a program on living healthy with high blood pressure. 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Herkimer County HealthNet. I look forward to being a part of the effort to bring this non-profit organization to the next level, making a positive difference for even more individuals who live, work, play, and learn in Herkimer County,” Enea said.

Prior to returning to Herkimer County and helping out her father at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service in 2011, Enea worked for Siguler Guff & Company, a private-equity firm in Manhattan, as well as Gaston Alive! magazine, a monthly publication in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Elyse holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Le Moyne College in Syracuse and an associate degree in mortuary science from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Enea also serves on the boards of directors for the Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce and the Samaritan Center of the Mohawk Valley. She is also the current president of the Mohawk Valley Rotary Club.