Family, leadership, and the state of Massachusetts: just a few things that define Denise Keller’s life. Denise, who is the Regional Business Office Director for the New England Division at Marquis Health Consulting Services, was nominated as a 2026 Woman of Influence. After being promoted from within, Denise shares her story of growth within the organization, and how she tries to give “Denise Time” to her team each day.

“I’ve worked in long-term care for about 21 years. I started as a Business Office Manager, then worked in admissions for a couple of years, and later became a Regional Business Office Consultant with another organization. I’ve been in roles like this for roughly 16 years.” Shares Denise, whose role at Marquis relies heavily on organization, communication, and an efficient approach to streamlining business operations. “The role I’m in now isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to conversations about money and expectations. But I believe in being honest and transparent. People may not always like what they hear, but they appreciate knowing the truth and not being surprised later” she states.

While her position is powered through clerical work, Denise also has a great connection to the teams she manages. When asked if there was a specific moment that made her realize she is doing what she has always been meant to do, she ponders. “In my current role, I’m not as involved with residents as I used to be. But early on, when I first got into long-term care, there was a resident who would come into my office often to complain. At first, I’ll admit, I thought, ‘Here he is again, what does he want now?’ One day, though, I took the time to sit down and really listen to him. He told me about his life; his marriage, his children and grandchildren, his career..and how becoming disabled and losing those parts of his life had taken such a toll on his mental health” says Denise, adding, “That day changed how I saw him. He wasn’t just someone who complained. He was a person with a story, with loss, with experiences that mattered.”

With this memory in mind, Denise reflects more on the importance of human connection. “That experience shaped how I approach my work. It’s about treating residents like people—not just another Medicaid application, bill, or task. Seeing them as human beings with stories is what truly matters.”

In a regional role, Denise never stays in one place for a long period of time, but her availability to her team never wavers. “I feel like I can truly make a difference. I can tell when someone is stressed, overwhelmed, or when they just need what I call ‘Denise Time’—a little space to breathe or someone who will simply listen. This work can get hectic, and sometimes it can feel isolating, so I try to make sure they know they’re not alone. I also make an effort to get to know them as people, not just professionals—what motivates them, their interests, and what’s important to them. Not everything is about work. Strong teams are built on real connection.”

With the “people” part of the job being the most important, Denise also mentions it’s her motivation for showing up every day. “I love being around people. Coming into the building, seeing not just the business office managers but all of the staff—and the residents too—that’s what energizes me. Years ago, I had a remote role where I worked from home, and I realized I couldn’t do it. I had to go back into the facilities. I’m a people person, and being around people is what motivates me every day.”

When asked who has greatly paved the way for Denise, she does not hesitate to answer. “Sharon Donahue. I’ve worked with Sharon for about 12 years, and she has had a huge impact on me. She pushes me. She motivates me. She makes me want to be better. There are days—and sometimes weeks—when I wonder if I can keep going at this pace. And then I look at her, and she’s always saying, ‘We can do this. We’ve got this.’ Listening to her speak, whether it’s to me or to a larger team, genuinely motivates me to want to be better. That absolutely makes me want to pay it forward.”

Denise dedicates her time as a mother to her children, wife to her husband, and grandmother to her four year old grandson, who is the “life of her life”. While she works to inspire and influence her family, she also ensures to take time for herself. Between audiobooks and running, Denise is always finding inspiration though her surroundings, making her a great leader, friend, and woman of influence.

Inspired by Denise’s story? If you’re passionate about making a difference in healthcare and want to grow your career with a supportive, mission-driven team, learn more about opportunities at one of the centers we support by visiting our Careers Page: https://mqshealth.com/caring-careers/