Stepping Down on a High Note

During Arthur O. Choate, Jr.’s, tenure as Joslin’s Chairman of the Board, he had so much faith in the vision and mission of the institution that he oversaw the construction of Joslin’s flagship center, complete with elevator shafts that extended three floors above the roof of the top floor. Choate was confident that, in time, Joslin would obtain the funds needed to complete the building for the expansion of this fast-growing, world-class diabetes center.  A decade later, Choate’s nephew, a successful businessman who wanted to give back to others, outgoing Chairman of the Board Robert E. Patterson decided to continue his family legacy and join the fight against diabetes.

In 1985 Patterson became a Joslin Overseer, a year later a Trustee.  During the early 1990s, he chaired Joslin’s capital campaign that raised enough money to add those three floors, build the atrium, and update the building’s façade. Fulfilling his uncle’s vision for Joslin, Patterson remarks, “I think my uncle would have been very proud of all of us who made it possible.”

Power of the People
As he steps down after nine years as Joslin’s Board Chair, Patterson reflected on the Center’s milestones. Modestly, he explains, “There were many goals realized at Joslin during my tenure as Chair, but they just happened to occur on my watch: doubling the size of our research program; the joint venture with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; and the establishment, success and growth of the Strategic Initiatives Division.” Patterson adds, “But the greatest accomplishment of this institution has been attracting and retaining the very best people – from support staff to nurses, doctors, researchers and senior managers, to Overseers and Trustees – the people are responsible for the incredible growth of this institution—they have made all the difference.” 
 
Looking Forward
Patterson thinks Joslin is well positioned to continue its growth and extraordinary contributions to the fight against diabetes. “I think we offer the best clinical care and research initiatives in the world,” he says, “but we face challenges. It is essential to foster the growth and diversity of the Strategic Initiatives Division, which provides substantial resources for Joslin’s mission as well as broad outreach to patients nationally and overseas. Further, with limited resources, we need to focus on the pathways of investigation that show the most promise. In a time of exploding opportunities for knowledge, Joslin strives to deliver the fruits of investigation as quickly and efficiently as possible to patients in the clinic and around the world.” Patterson adds, “With the expansion of these programs, continued maximization of our real estate assets, as well as an increase in funds raised are critical. And above all, we need to continue to recruit and sustain the best people.” 

Passing the Torch
“My tenure as Joslin Board Chair has been very fulfilling—one of the greatest experiences of my adult life,” says Patterson.  “Of course, it’s not been without challenges, but I had a lot of help from my fellow Trustees, who make a great team.  I am very pleased to have been asked to stay on the Board and the Executive Committee.”

“It’s time for a new leader.  We are awfully lucky to have a terrific next Chairman, only the fifth in our history.  Kevin is extremely dedicated, smart, hardworking, and well up to the task. He will do a terrific job,” says Patterson, “but, just like me, he’ll need to depend on the help and philanthropy of all of the wonderful people in the greater Joslin family.”