2024 Business Women Awards
INDUSTRY LEADER | PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Kerry Evers
ProChange Behavior Solutions Inc. co-CEO and president
EVERYTIME KERRY EVERS and her staff at ProChange Behavior Solutions Inc. receives heartfelt notes from those impacted by the company’s research and programs, those messages remind Evers and her colleagues of the difference they can make in people’s lives.
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That validation, she says, fuels everyone’s dedication at the Narragansett-based health consulting company.
“Working at ProChange for the past 27 years has been an enriching journey filled with countless reasons to cherish every moment,” said Evers, ProChange’s co-CEO and president. “Each day, I am privileged to apply and build upon behavior change science, working to empower individuals to embrace their fullest potential.”
ProChange focuses on the science of behavior change. The firm services clients such as universities, large companies – including Fortune 500 companies – government agencies and health care providers to address behavior change needs.
Both ProChange and Evers have come a long way since the company was founded in 1997. Evers says she was fresh out of a doctorate program in psychology at the University of Rhode Island when she joined the company at its inception, and now co-leading it with Sara Johnson.
Evers was hopeful the company would have success, she says, but never expected to be with ProChange for more than a few years. That soon changed.
“With the unwavering support of our exceptional colleagues and partners, we have not only endured but flourished, steadfastly upholding our mission amid our continuous expansion,” Evers said.
Evers says ProChange offers tailored behavior change solutions that meet people where they are in their behavior change journey. Leveraging more than 25 years of research, more than $20 million in federally funded grants, and insights from more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, ProChange behavior scientists, Evers says, have successfully enabled people to make lasting changes and improve their well-being at work, at home and at play.
Some of the organization’s recent work includes helping increase the morale of those caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease, supporting LGBTQIA+ communities in the workplace and uplifting people with hereditary cancers.
Evers’ work has garnered attention. Gov. Daniel J. McKee appointed Evers to serve with the R.I. Life Science Hub, a newly formed quasi-state agency in January 2024. She was also recognized by The American Journal of Health Promotion as a Most Influential Women Leader in Health Promotion. Plus, Evers’ papers have been widely published with about 40 publications.
Carol C. Malysz, executive director of RI Bio, has mentored Evers for RIHub’s Venture Mentoring Program for two years and holds Evers and her accomplishments in high regard. From their very first interaction, it was evident that Evers possessed a rare combination of intellect, passion and unwavering dedication to her craft, Malysz says.
“Through her innovative programs and steadfast leadership, Kerry has not just touched lives but profoundly impacted them, instilling hope, resilience and a sense of purpose in those she serves,” Malsyz said. “Kerry’s visionary approach, coupled with her compassionate heart, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on countless individuals, families and communities.”
Evers has dedicated herself to other passions beyond ProChange. For about 15 years, she has sent care packages and engaged in correspondence with service members, ultimately engaging and supporting more than 100 military personnel.
Evers also said she has been fortunate to have had “remarkable” female mentors who guided and inspired her in a field historically dominated by men. She now strives to pay it forward by providing the same level of mentorship and support to others, nurturing the next generation of female leaders in the industry. Malysz also sees in Evers a demonstrated leader.
“In Kerry, clients find not just a leader but a trusted partner who is wholly invested in their success and well-being. Her transformative leadership style not only shapes the trajectory of ProChange but also sets a new standard for excellence in customer-centric leadership,” Malysz said. “Kerry Evers isn’t just leading; she’s revolutionizing the way we approach behavior change one life-changing breakthrough at a time.”
(CORRECTION: Kerry Evers joined ProChange Behavior Solutions Inc. at the company’s inception in 1997 and is not a co-founder. An earlier version of this story noted that she co-founded it.)
