Boston University Questrom School of Business is excited to announce Joy Curtis, MBA, as the 2025 recipient of the Health Sector Management Distinguished Alumni Award. This award celebrates alumni who have made a significant impact in the health industry.
Since 2012, Joy has served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cambridge Health Alliance, a Harvard-affiliated healthcare system with around 5,000 employees. Her role encompasses everything from Human Resources Operations to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Joy’s leadership helps ensure that staff and providers meet the diverse needs of their community.
Before her role at CHA, Joy founded Innovative Solutions HR, LLC, a consulting firm where she partnered with organizations to enhance their human resources practices. Her clients included well-known institutions like Partners HealthCare and Harvard University. She has a knack for developing strong leaders and creating effective HR systems.
From 2005 to 2009, Joy was the Chief People Officer at Ropes & Gray LLP, where she created “the People Organization.” Under her leadership, the firm received accolades in the Vault Survey as one of the best workplaces.
Joy holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Yale University and an MBA in Healthcare Management from Boston University, where she graduated with high honors.
In addition to her professional achievements, Joy is an Adjunct Professor at UMass Lowell, teaching Health Informatics and Management. She actively serves on the Board of Trustees for Care Dimensions, a provider of hospice and palliative care, and mentors professionals in Conexion’s mid-level program as well as MBA students at Questrom.
Outside of her career, Joy has a passion for animal welfare. She volunteers with animal rescue groups and is a founding member of the Massachusetts Union for Siberian Huskies, Inc. (MUSH).
Joy’s recognition reflects her outstanding leadership in healthcare and commitment to developing others. Her journey inspires many, showing how a strong dedication to community and professional growth can lead to significant change. Congratulations to Joy Curtis on this well-deserved honor.
Recent statistics show that a focus on diversity in healthcare leadership can improve patient outcomes. According to a study by the American Hospital Association, hospitals with diverse leadership teams perform better in patient satisfaction and deliver higher-quality care.
As Joy’s story illustrates, investing in people isn’t just good for business; it’s essential for enhancing the healthcare field and the communities we serve.
