Institute’s Chief Operating Officer to retire June 30; staying on until end of year as Strategic Advisor

When Denis Stratford gazes across the campus of the MGH Institute of Health Professions, he feels like a proud papa. 

“I do,” Stratford says with a smile, then shares a ritual most people don’t know he’s been taking part in for years. “On the last day of a construction project, when the space is turned over to us, I walk the space. It's not anything about the actual physical design, but it’s the transformational moments that will begin the next day, when we turn the space over to the faculty, staff, and students. That’s when the magic happens.” 

Transformation is the most apt descriptor of what’s happened during Stratford’s 25-year career at the MGH Institute, a career that will adjust when he retires as Chief Operating Officer on June 30. 

“Like anybody else, when I started in July of 2001, I had no idea I'd be here 25 years, but it evolved into my dream job,” noted Stratford. “And I was able to really achieve what my mentors early on in my career instilled in me, and I can walk away knowing I've left this place a better place than when I started.” 

That’s an understatement. When Stratford began at the Institute, approximately 500 students and 35-40 faculty and staff were housed between four floors of 101 Merrimack Street in Boston’s West End, but it wasn’t conducive to an educational environment because law firms and other businesses also shared the building. Fortunately, five months later, the MGH Institute moved to the Shouse Building in the Charlestown Navy Yard, one of the most integral inflection points in the school’s history. 

Six buildings later, the Institute is at its healthiest with nearly 2,000 students from 17 countries and 44 states, more than 12,000 alumni, and three-dozen degrees and programs.

man sitting at desk talking to another man standing above the desk
Stratford shares a laugh with Instructional Technology Manager Greg Moore. Stratford says his team is what he’s most proud of because of their work ethic and dedication that ensures “students, faculty, and staff have access to a vibrant learning and work environment.

Mentors Molded Progress and Advancement

“It’s been a privilege to be part of that journey,” marveled Stratford, who points to mentors at Norwich University and St. Michael’s College for giving him a chance and showing him the way. Jim Galloway, a retired two-star general who was General George Patton's chief of staff and was on General William Westmoreland’s staff in Vietnam, hired Stratford to be the director of computer services at Norwich University. At St. Michael’s, VP for Administration John Gutman and President Paul Rice were the ones to hire Stratford.

“At those two institutions, I was part of teams that were known for getting things done, so I'm doing what those significant mentors did at other institutions, and I've gotten to do it here.”

What Stratford has “gotten to do” at the Institute is quite a bit. He started as Chief Information Officer, then was named Chief Information and Facilities Officer, then Associate Vice President for Information Technology and Facilities, and finally, Chief Operating Officer.

In those roles, Stratford has overseen the library, instructional design, and academic support; he co-led faculty development, advanced academic innovation by helping develop new degrees and certificates in Healthcare Informatics and Healthcare Data Analytics, co-developed the Master’s in Health Administration program, and helped create what has evolved into the Graduate Program in Health Professions Education. Stratford also introduced simulation in academic and interdisciplinary programs and contributed directly as a faculty member. As Chief Operating Officer, his portfolio has included facilities, supply chain, contracting, brand, compliance, information technology, and external relationships with the Charlestown community and across Mass General Brigham.

“Denis’ tangible accomplishments here at the Institute have been profound,” said President Deborah Jones. “But just as important are the less visible but equally meaningful contributions: his deep understanding of the Institute’s history, ability to connect strategy with execution, and willingness to support innovation while grounding decisions in experience and sound judgment. Denis’ legacy will continue to shape the Institute for years to come.”

President Emerita Paula Milone-Nuzzo promoted Stratford to Chief Operating Officer early in her tenure after realizing how valuable his assessments were, along with his knowledge and connections within the Mass General Brigham system.

“What I loved most about Denis was the fact that he was probably my most trusted counselor at the IHP,” recounted Milone-Nuzzo. “I knew that because he had 25 years of experience at Mass General Brigham and IHP, that he would give me the advice that I needed in order to make the right decision. And that was that was really so, so important to me as president.”

Board of Trustees Chair Jeanette Ives Erickson calls Stratford an operational wizard and a bridge builder.

“He understands all of the intricacies of working at a university,” noted Ives Erickson. He has bridged the IHP with Mass General Brigham, ensuring that we are always coordinated. He has the ability to put forth the facts that are understandable, and he always brings resolution to issues. He's the holder of the history and a go-to kind of guy. He's going to be missed.”

Commitment to Institute Led to Extended Stay

If it weren’t for his love of the Institute and commitment to it, Stratford would have already been retired. However, when Milone-Nuzzo announced in May 2025 her decision to retire, Stratford decided to stay on to help find her replacement and manage the transition. Earlier this week, Stratford’s replacement, Rachelle Mainard, officially began, but Stratford isn’t going anywhere. From July 1 until the end of this year, he will serve as Strategic Advisor to help with the transitions of both leaders, support Jones’ September inauguration, continue work on implementing the name and re-branding change, and introduce Mainard to vendors and employees across the system.

When Stratford bids adieu in December, he will cap off a 50-year career in information technology, with 47 of those years being his institution’s senior leader.

“I’ve had a unique career that very few people can say they evolved as the technology has evolved in the last 50 years,” marveled Stratford. “Just think of what's happened with technology during that time. The first computers I put in the school system were Radio Shack TRS 80s, and most people have never heard of. I saw the introduction of the PC, the Mac, the way computers have evolved to our phones, which are more powerful than any computer that existed 40 years ago. Now there’s AI.”

Of all the accomplishments through the years, it’s the team Stratford has built that he’s most proud of.

“They have this this work ethic and a dedication to make sure that students, faculty, and staff have access to a vibrant learning and work environment,” he noted, “and that allows people to do their job and do what they need to do to educate students more than anything else.”

Stratford has no illusions that he won’t miss the job, the relationships, the progress, the promise, and the possibility. But he also knows it’s the right time to say goodbye to a place he’s served for a quarter-century.  

“My wife Marnie and I are at an age where we want to just enjoy life together,” he concluded. “We have 11 grandchildren who range age from four to 20. We’re looking forward to spending more time with them and starting a new chapter in our lives. But I’m not going anywhere right now – I’m here until December helping any way I can.”