Chief Executive Officer and President, Strong Memorial Hospital and Highland Hospital
With organization since: 1975.
In current position since: 2024.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in nursing, University of Rochester, 1975; master’s degree in nursing, University of Rochester, 1983; Ph.D. in education, University of Rochester 1990.
Career Highlights: Accepted the position of chief executive officer, Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals, 2024; named a President’s Award Honoree by Jordan Health Foundation, 2024; selected as distinguished alumni at the University of Rochester Warner School, 2024; appointed board chairwoman for Finger Lakes Performing Provider System, 2014; awarded the David T. Kearns Medal of Distinction at the University of Rochester Simon Business School, 2013; named a “Most Influential Woman” by Rochester Business Journal, 2003; accepted the position of chief operating officer, Strong Memorial Hospital, 2000; selected as distinguished alumni at the University of Rochester School of Nursing, 1999; accepted the position of senior director for hospital operations at Strong Memorial Hospital, a key role on the hospital’s management team, 1995; helped put together one of the first hospital-based acute-care nurse practitioner positions in the nation at Strong Memorial Hospital, 1980s.
Current affiliations: Associate professor in the school of nursing, University of Rochester Medical Center; clinical associate professor of community and preventive medicine in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center; fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
How do you describe your managerial philosophy or approach? “The best leaders assemble a team of competent and talented people, create excitement about the work and a vision for success. Leaders need to remove barriers that inhibit best efforts of the team, strive to stimulate creativity within the group and be decisive when a decision needs to be made by the leader.”
Skills that make you an effective leader? “Knowledge of the healthcare industry and ability to work with people having a wide range of talents, capabilities and personal styles. Mentorship is important to me as I have had great mentors and strive to be one for new managers and leaders. In addition, I can be calm and decisive when needed, keeping the level of anxiety in check when challenges are confronted.”
How can the healthcare industry in the region be improved? “Create and foster inter-professional, team-based approaches to addressing healthcare issues involving partners in all sectors of healthcare, business and human services.”
What do you do for fun? “I play tennis, paddle and golf with a great group of friends.”