Centerville Clinics honors retired executive director Janet Bitonti

For the MVI

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average tenure of a young professional in their first job ranges from just over one year to just under three years. Research also shows that the average person in the U.S. holds about 12 jobs in their lifetime.

Janet Bitonti took a very different career path.

When Centerville Clinics opened its doors in 1955, she was one of its first employees. A recent business school graduate, she was hired as a clerk. Bitonti worked in the medical records department before moving to the business office, was named chief administrator in the 1980s, and retired as executive director in 2001. She continues to be involved with Centerville Clinics as a valuable consultant while the organization continues to grow.

As Bitonti turns 90 this month, Centerville Clinics is celebrating her birthday and acknowledging a lifetime of service. Looking back, Bitonti says, “I never thought that the Clinics would grow to be this big (14 medical sites, five dental sites, and 10 behavioral healthcare locations across Fayette, Greene, and Washington counties).”

She recalls that one of her first assignments was to be the Clinics’ switchboard operator. At first there was no telephone service in the original farmhouse, she says, “so I had to go to the Centerville Telephone Company to answer calls.” “Centerville Clinics has always been committed to helping people in need,” Bitonti said. “Our goal has always been to treat patients ‘like you’d like your mother to be treated.’ We treated everyone the same.”

From the beginning, Centerville Clinics has been open to the entire community. Joseph A. “Jock” Yablonski was at the forefront of establishing Centerville Clinics, working with a small group of coal miners and securing a loan to buy a farmhouse in Centerville Borough.

Bitonti recalled that “Jock” Yablonski was a hands-on leader.

“He took an interest in everything happening at the Clinic.”

Upon Yablonski’s death, his son, Kenneth J. Yablonski, carried on his work as chairman of the board. Today, Yablonski’s grandson, Joseph, serves as board chairman.

“It has been my privilege to work with all three men,” she said, adding that the continuity of leadership is one of Centerville Clinics’ strengths.