Michael Skonieczny is the executive director of the Global Health Leadership Institute (GHLI), at Yale University, where he directs the program’s operations. Skonieczny’s interest in health issues began from his previous work on domestic health policy issues with the Federal Drug Administration and Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro. When he began working for the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Skonieczny’s interest expanded into the global arena.
Skonieczny became interested in GHLI after meeting with Elizabeth Bradley over two years ago. Her vision and work in Ethiopia around hospital management presented an exciting opportunity to create something new at Yale. GHLI also presented a new prospect to Skonieczny that was different than his work with health policy in Washington, D.C. He made the decision to join the GHLI team.
Even though he’s only been at GHLI for a short period of time, Skonieczny said he thinks much has been accomplished. “We’ve created a fertile ground at Yale University for global health with tremendous support on campus from students, faculty and senior administration,” he explained. Since GHLI’s annual conference in 2009, the student course, variety of speakers and development of a potential Rwanda program are a few examples of why he feels the program has been a success. Skonieczny said his ultimate accomplishment at GHLI came from the delegation at the annual conference because it began the collaboration between GHLI and the Ministry of Health in Rwanda.
Skonieczny expressed a similar sentiment as his fellow GHLI coworkers by saying, “My work makes excited because I believe we can contribute to make a difference. He added, “It’s great to be a part of a group that’s innovative and entrepreneurial.”
Amanda Sorrentino, GHLI Intern