Selection is fourth consecutive; women’s leadership development, strong organization, and innovations among selection criteria

Strategic partnerships with fellow institutions of higher ed, a bachelor completer’s program, the highest enrollment levels ever, and a healthy bottom line are just some of the MGH Institute highlights from the past year, and the main reasons why President Paula Milone-Nuzzo has been named for the fourth consecutive year to the Boston Globe Top 100 Women-led Business Leaders List. This year, she is ranked 52. 

“It certainly is a recognition for the IHP as well as a recognition for me, and I appreciate that recognition,” said Milone-Nuzzo. “The challenges for any business in today's environment are significant, especially higher education, and the fact that we have so many higher ed women on this list is a testament to the important work and important contributions of women in higher education leadership.”

Compiled by The Women’s Edge and its partner, The Boston Globe, the selection was made public at a breakfast gathering inside the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston on Friday. That’s where Milone-Nuzzo was accompanied by female students from the Institute to help her celebrate. 

“I'm brought them because I wanted them to see what can be in terms of women's leadership,” said a smiling president. “Having them with me was even more special this year.”

A special section on this list was published in yesterday’s Boston Sunday Globe Magazine.

Partnerships and new programs have been the most significant trends over the past year. The MGH Institute is partnering with a handful of four-year and community colleges to offer streamlined pathways to select programs at the MGH Institute that will address today’s critical need for well-trained healthcare professionals.

“Partnerships have been our biggest innovation this year,” noted Milone-Nuzzo. “It will be transformational for the Institute because it creates new markets and increases enrollment without overtaxing the Institute’s ecosystem.”

On the innovation front, the Institute, the only degree-granting affiliate of Mass General Brigham (MGB), is starting innovative programs that will increase enrollment and address workforce shortages within MGB. Recently launched was the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree, a new program designed for learners transferring from a two-year college or comprehensive university, those who began undergraduate work but never finished, and those working at Mass General Brigham who want to advance their career. 

“We’ve been working with Mass General Brigham to identify where they have workforce shortages,” said Milone-Nuzzo. “We then develop curricula that helps create a pathway to jobs at MGB. This reinforces the critical role the MGH Institute plays in supporting and growing the system’s workforce.” 

“The MGH Institute is in a vastly different educational landscape than it was eight years ago when Paula arrived,” observed Jeanette Ives-Erickson, the Board of Trustee chair. “Paula’s leadership has been key in helping the Institute navigate the economic and demographic shifts. Look at all we’re doing — the partnerships, the innovative programs, our largest enrollment ever — those things don’t just happen. It takes boldness, foresight, and strategic thinking — the very qualities Paula has brought to the table. We have benefited from her wisdom, kindness, and leadership.”

In May, Milone-Nuzzo announced plans to retire as president but has pledged to stay on the job until her successor is in place. 

“I feel like one of the things I love about being in this role are the other women who help all of us do our jobs better and more effectively,” reflected Milone-Nuzzo. “Being part of a group of incredible women in higher education leadership who are recognized at this breakfast has made this experience just so much more powerful.”

One of the criteria for Top 100 selection is how devoted an organization is in developing and supporting women as leaders. The deans at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and School of Nursing are females, as are most of the academic department chairs. The Institute helps grow women as leaders by sending them to external leadership programs, providing leadership mentors, and discussing leadership strategies in leadership meetings. Additionally, each year, four women from the Institute head to the annual Leadership America Women Conference where they network and learn from leaders across the country. 

Other selection criteria include operating budget, revenue, workplace and management diversity, and governing board makeup. Women comprise 85 percent of the Institute’s workforce, nearly two-thirds of its upper management, and nearly 40 percent of its Board of Trustees. 

“It means that we are focused on developing everyone within the organization, including the women in the organization,” noted Milone-Nuzzo on the significance of the Institute being chosen again for the Top 100 Women-led Business list. “We're focused on creating leadership opportunities for all people within our organization, and we're focused on helping people grow and thrive in an academic organization where there are multiple challenges.”

The Women’s Edge — formerly known as The Commonwealth Institute — is a Boston-based nonprofit organization devoted to advancing women in leadership positions. This is the 25th year it has released its Top 100 list, which was created through a nomination process and includes for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. 

Milone-Nuzzo joins ten other Mass General Brigham leaders who were also honored: Anne Klibanski, Mass General Brigham; Lynn A. Stofer, Mass General Brigham Community Physicians; Heather O'Sullivan, Mass General Brigham Healthcare at Home; Lindsay Gainer, Mass General Brigham Medical Group; Marcela G. del Carmen; Massachusetts General Physicians Organization; Amy E. Lee; Nantucket Cottage Hospital; Ellen Moloney, Newton-Wellesley Hospital; Denise Schepici, Martha's Vineyard Hospital; CarolAnn Williams, Mass Eye and Ear; Roxanne C. Ruppel, Salem Hospital.