Michael J. Dowling

Michael J. Dowling is recognized for his leadership in health care, notably as president and CEO of Northwell Health, New York's largest private employer and health care provider. Before his tenure at Northwell, Dowling developed a career in academia and public service. He served as a professor of social policy and assistant dean at the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services and was an instructor at the Harvard School of Public Health Center for Continuing Professional Education. Dowling spent 12 years in New York State government, including roles as state director of Health, Education and Human Services, deputy secretary to the governor, and commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services, where he acted as chief health and human services advisor to Governor Mario Cuomo. He later joined Northwell as chief operating officer before becoming president and CEO.

During Dowling's leadership, Northwell expanded from a network of Long Island hospitals into one of the nation's largest health systems, operating 28 hospitals across New York and Connecticut, employing more than 104,000 people, and generating over $22 billion in annual revenue. He emphasized innovation and education, collaborating with the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, the Zucker School of Medicine, and Northwell's Center for Learning and Innovation. Dowling guided the system through the COVID-19 pandemic and mobilized more than 60 health care CEOs nationwide to support gun violence prevention as a public health issue. He has been recognized on the TIME100 Health list and led Northwell to be included on TIME's Most Influential Companies list. Dowling also earned the No. 1 ranking on Modern Healthcare magazine's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare list.

Dowling is an author whose books address health care leadership, policy, and personal memoir. His works include "Health Care Reboot," "Leading Through a Pandemic," and "After the Roof Caved In: An Immigrant's Journey from Ireland to America." His book "The Aging Revolution: The History of Geriatric Health Care and What Really Matters to Older Adults" explores geriatric medicine and health care for older adults. Dowling's writing and speaking engagements draw on his experience in health system management, public health, and health care policy.

Dowling's career has been recognized with honors such as the Conference Board's Distinguished Leadership Award, the Columbia University School of Business Deming Cup for Operational Excellence, the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, the Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award, the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, and an Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. As CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health, Dowling continues to contribute to public health initiatives, teaching, and writing, sharing his expertise in health care leadership and policy.