The hospital announced Tuesday that Claire Seguin, the current chief nursing officer and vice president of operations with more than 30 years of clinical experience, will take over as head of the hospital on Jan. 1.
Martha’s Vineyard Hospital has tapped its second in command to take the reins after president Denise Schepici retires at the end of the year.
The hospital announced Tuesday that Claire Seguin, the current chief nursing officer and vice president of operations with more than 30 years of clinical experience, will take over as head of the hospital on Jan. 1.
“Claire consistently set the standard throughout a thoughtful and transparent search process,” said Rebecca Haag, the chair of the hospital board. “She brings a deep understanding of the hospital, a collaborative leadership style, and a clear commitment to the Island community.”
Ms. Seguin joined the hospital in 2019, and prior to that was the associate chief quality officer at Massachusetts General Hospital. During her time on the Vineyard, the hospital said she has led initiatives to advance patient-centered care and has expanded her leadership, also serving as the chief nursing officer for Nantucket Cottage Hospital as well as the interim vice president of operation for the Mass General Brigham community division.
Claire Seguin, right, talks with Gov. Maura Healey during the governor's visit earlier this year.
Claire Seguin, right, talks with Gov. Maura Healey during the governor's visit earlier this year.
“Claire is known for her thoughtful leadership,” said CarolAnn Williams, president of the community division. “Among her strengths are team building and collaboration, at the hospital and across our health care system.”
When Ms. Seguin started as the vice president of operations in 2020, it was just days before the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus a pandemic. In the subsequent months, she worked closely with Ms. Schepici to help guide the hospital, which played a crucial role in testing and vaccinations.
“I’m definitely busy, and it’s challenging. But in a good way,” she told the Gazette in June 2020. “If there’s a silver lining in that — what a good way for all of us to become close, and understand each other, and our skill sets, and learn how to run operations at the hospital, together.”
Ms. Seguin is board-certified in oncology nursing and has a doctoral degree in nursing from Northeastern. She also is a clinical lecturer at Harvard Medical School and is a 2027 fellow in the Health Management Academy.
Ms. Schepici, who started in 2018 and has worked with Ms. Seguin for her entire tenure here, said the Island was fortunate to have Ms. Seguin coming on as president.
“She is a gifted leader with a steady presence and a passionate devotion to patient care,” Ms. Schepici said. “Having worked with Claire for the last seven years, I am confident in her abilities which will be needed to keep Martha’s Vineyard Hospital at the forefront of great medical care and in developing a skilled and talented workforce for the future.”
Ms. Seguin has often been the hospital’s representative at community events and to the press. In recent weeks, she presided over briefings on the hospital’s health assessment and a tick summit with state and Island leaders.
In a statement provided by the hospital, Ms. Seguin said she is honored to take on the new role and is committed to the Island community. She also wants to take on the major issues facing the Vineyard, including tick-borne illnesses, food and housing insecurity, and elderly transportation.
“We are also committed to making investments in our facilities so that patients, residents, and staff have the environment and resources they need,” she said. “Together, we will continue to build a strong, resilient health system that meets the needs of everyone on the Island.”
Editor's note: a previous version of this article incorrectly stated when Ms. Seguin started working at the hospital. She joined as the chief clinical and quality officer in 2019.
Comments
I hope she starts hiring more
EdI hope she starts hiring more permanent providers. It is sad to see a CNP or PA, here to fulfill a contract signed through a remote staffing agency, needing to read my name from the screen they are forced to look at while following steps required of them by the administrators of Mass General Brigham. We deserve to be treated by providers who are committed to living in our community and paid a living wage for our community. Our providers presently seem to just follow MGB’s guidelines, not unlike a customer service rep with a script in front of them. One would hope that with the money MGB saves by relying on lower paid providers the care would be great and easily accessible. Sadly that is not most people’s experience. Hire more MDs and stop the revolving door of staff.
Temp staff is often not
Laura EdgartownTemp staff is often not cheaper. However, the issue is more that housing, island life prevent people from wanting to settle at the hospital permanently.
Wonderful news,
Diane EdgartownWonderful news, Congratulations and a huge thank you to Mrs. Schepici…
good comment...what would be
al edgartowngood comment...what would be considered a living wage for surviving on the vineyard?
Well start with a salary that
EdWell start with a salary that allows a person to purchase a home in the community, either with a partner or with maybe a roommate or two for the care staff on the lower end of the pay spectrum and a very comfortable house for the highly specialized staff with highest level of training and skills and benefit to our community. You know, like what RNs, CNPs, PTs, PAs, and MDs are able to do in most locations. The island has limits in terms of services, entertainment, dining, and more so we need to at least try to match what other communities offer in terms of a living wage. We can’t care well for our aging population without making this a desirable place for young professionals to live.
Is there any news on a
Optimistic Islander VHIs there any news on a succession plan if Mrs. Seguin vacates both the CNO and COO positions? The American Organization of Nurse Leadership (AONL) advocates that a CNO posses a Masters or Doctoral degree (and at a minimum a baccalaureate degree in nursing). Having worked with various COO’s over the years, I know an undergraduate business degree and MBA are the standard preparation. Our island community should consider itself fortunate that our small hospital already employees professionals with these credentials. While the perspective and wisdom of outside candidates is undoubtedly beneficial, I’m hopeful our own qualified locals are thoughtfully considered for leadership appointments too.
Ms. Sequin’s expert
JennaMs. Sequin’s expert leadership at MVH saw the island through the pandemic. Her medical acumen and knowledge of hospital operations is unsurpassed. She has been the unsung hero of MVH since her arrival and we are fortunate that she is at the helm.
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