James Terwilliger named as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

James (Jim) Terwilliger has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, effective February 18, 2019.  He was chosen following an extensive national search.

Terwilliger currently serves as Vice President, Clinical Services at Montefiore Medical Center in NY, where he is responsible for faculty and community physician practices including operations, revenue cycle, strategy, practice acquisitions and program growth and development.

He has deep experience in leadership, strategic vision and operational results at first-rate healthcare institutions that include Indiana University Health Methodist and University Hospitals, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, USC University Hospital, and UCLA Health System.  He has also held roles that include Executive Vice President of the UPMC Cancer Center and Vice President of Cancer Services at Indiana University Health.

“Jim has had a proven track record of thoughtful analysis, strategic vision, leadership, and the ability to build relationships to inspire greater collaboration. His deep personal commitment to quality and compassionate care of patients, and to the science of discovery and innovation will be a great fit for Dana-Farber,” said Laurie H. Glimcher, MD, president and CEO, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

“I am honored by the opportunity to join Dr. Glimcher’s leadership team and to work alongside the dedicated physicians, scientists, nurses and clinicians and staff who make Dana-Farber one of the most respected institutions in medicine and science. Their work helps people who need the best possible cancer care today, but also promises a better future for cancer patients in New England and around the country and the world,” said Terwilliger.

Throughout his career, Terwilliger has successfully led operations at several complex academic medical centers. Most recently, at Montefiore, he led an organization of more than 2,000 employed physicians across more than 40 specialties, including community practices. He built a system of operational excellence to break new ground in emerging medicine, primary care, and cancer care to streamline patient flow, increase access, and improve the quality of care. The faculty practice organization developed under his leadership helped support Montefiore’s regional expansion into the Hudson Valley.

Terwilliger earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University. He also holds a master’s degree in public health from UCLA and is a graduate of the Executive Healthcare Management Program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School.

Terwilliger succeeds Dorothy Puhy, Chief Operating Officer who is retiring at the end of February after 25 years in varying positions at Dana-Farber.