Through the years | 1979 - 2022

Do, re, mi…Always of note, Marna showed her support for a number of programs across the health system, including Notes at Noon, a summer concert series sponsored by the YNHH Auxiliary.

Three Marnas are better than one. Always in demand to speak about topics ranging from hospital operations to women in leadership to pandemic response, Marna frequently participated in YNHHS events, such as the 2019 Joseph A. Zaccagnino Safety, Quality and Experience Conference, where she emphasized the Yale New Haven Health Care Signature.

Hats off! CEO of one of the country’s leading healthcare systems, wife, mother, friend, colleague and fly fisherwoman extraordinaire, Marna has worn many hats throughout her 43-year career with Yale New Haven Health.

Open wide. A CEO with a sense of humor, Marna kidded around with Norman Roth, former Greenwich Hospital president. The pair started working together in 1979 at Yale New Haven Hospital when she was hired as an administrative fellow and he as the administrative director for Emergency Services.

Trick or treat. Always up for funny hats and costumes, Marna enjoyed the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Halloween Parade with Francine LoRusso, RN, now senior vice president, Operations.

When the future is bright, you gotta wear shades. Marna shined at employee events, including Quarter Century Club celebrations, Yale New Haven Hospital birthday video shoots and holiday gatherings.

Not one to throw a curve ball, Marna used her well-informed, direct style of communication to drive projects ranging from building Smilow Cancer Hospital to advancing the needs of the health system with local, state and national policymakers

Laughter is the best medicine. Marna found a kindred spirit in YNHH Chief Nursing Officer Ena Williams, RN, (left) in finding a dose of humor and joy in daily work life.

CEO + CMO = LOL. Marna and former YNHH Chief Medical Officer Peter Herbert, MD, made a great leadership team – and, often, comedy duo. Every year at a special ceremony, they trade good-natured jokes before proudly presenting scholarships established in their names to YNHH nurses working toward licensure and certification as an advanced practice registered nurse.

It’s a family affair. While Marna found a second family in Yale New Haven Health, her heart always belonged to husband Eric (left) and sons Chris (right) and Peter (not pictured).

The eyes have it. Marna and YNHH President Keith Churchwell, MD, modeled proper masking requirements during the pandemic.

Leaving a legacy of “coloring outside the lines,” Marna took on increasingly challenging roles during equally challenging times, but often took time to enjoy fun and camaraderie with employees.