When I first moved to Rhode Island in 1978, fresh out of law school and knowing only the man who was to become my husband, I quickly realized that this was a place where I had the chance to get to know people of influence as well as others who quietly and consistently make a difference in people's lives. Without realizing it then, I was to have the opportunity to make connections with many, many Rhode Islanders through my relationship with Women & Infants Hospital.
For more than 30 years I have been associated with Women & Infants, first as a volunteer trustee and later as its president and CEO. What a privilege it has been to be part of a true Rhode Island institution! Over 70 percent of Rhode Island births take place at Women & Infants, and everyone, it seems, has a connection with it.
Some individuals spent as long as 50 years giving of their time and expertise to serve as trustees of Women & Infants, including Stanley Livingston, Ben Harris and Cynthia Patterson, who all willingly guided me during my tenure. Others have been patients who became committed volunteers passionately advocating to make Women & Infants better, such as Therese Stafford, who suffered a heart-breaking loss of triplets, yet has become a key supporter. Michelle Renaud was a leader of the Auxiliary and also a breast cancer patient who lived life with joie de vivre until the very end.
The 2,000 employees of Women & Infants endeavor every day to touch the lives of patients and families. Robin Neale is passionate about avoiding infections and protecting vulnerable patients who are pregnant, premature or immuno-compromised. Rocky Lubin, who started working at Women & Infants when he was a young father still in high school, has advanced along a career path and now is performing diagnostic imaging of our tiniest patients. MaryBeth Taub, the nurse manager of the NICU, works long hours yet always has the time to check in on a new family and their tiny baby.
Because of my position, I have been able to work with others outside of Women & Infants in various capacities in the community. Rick Brooks heads up the Governor's Workforce Board with creativity and a drive to improve the lives and jobs of all Rhode Islanders. Mike Ritz at Leadership RI strives to make Rhode Island a place where everyone is aware of and utilizes their strengths. Judy Bentkover has created the executive masters in health care leadership program at Brown University, where experienced people from all over the country come to Rhode Island to learn how to transform health care. Matthew Erickson at Providence College teaches young people the theory and practice of leadership, pushing them to understand the moral and ethical consequences of their choices. And Cheryl Snead is leading Banneker Industries with values and courage.
There are also people who might not be as well-known as others in this state, but who make a difference in peoples' lives every day. Margaret Sitko may say that she is "just a waitress" at the University Club, but she always offers a greeting and a kind word. Kevin Cafferty who drives the Thrifty parking shuttle at Green Airport makes me feel like a member of his family when I return from a trip.
Rhode Island has a reputation for being an "I know a guy" state. While this has negative origins, there is a positive aspect to the close links we have. Rhode Island's small size enables connections among people that make life and business here warm, welcoming and rewarding. •
Constance A. Howes is the former president and CEO of Women & Infants Hospital and currently is Women's Health Advisor to Care New England.