Jeffrey S. Flier, dean of the Faculty of Medicine, has announced the appointment of Richard G. Mills as the new executive dean for Administration at HMS. Flier called Mills “the single best person to oversee pivotal administrative functions that include finance, facilities and operations, communications, human resources and IT.” Mills assumed this role on an interim basis last July.
Having worked as a litigation attorney, a principal in strategic consulting, and senior staff counsel for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Mills joined HMS in 2005 as associate dean for Planning and Facilities. He soon assumed the expanded role of dean for Operations and Business Affairs. Most recently, Mills served as dean for Education and Global Program Administration, overseeing the Program in Medical Education, graduate education programs, global programs, the Countway Library of Medicine, the Center for Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Health Publications and the Department of Continuing Education.
“I believe that Rick will bring to his work a valuable appreciation of our community and its priorities,” Flier said in his announcement. “I know he will be instrumental in helping us navigate HMS past the financial challenges and toward my vision for a vital future.”
In his new role, Mills will have responsibility for ensuring the financial stability and sustainability of the Medical School. He also will work closely with Flier to advance the HMS strategic plan and to continue building collaborations with the HMS-affiliated hospitals and research institutions.
“With a management style widely regarded as invigorating in its energy and candor,” Flier said, “Rick brings to academic medicine and to this esteemed medical school great heart and superior leadership.”
In response to the appointment, Mills said, “I come into this role with a profound respect for the quality and scope of our research and education programs and for the intellectual and personal commitment of our faculty, staff and students. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn about the School from the inside—working first in facilities and space planning, and then moving into education, research and global programs.
“By virtue of my prior roles,” Mills said, “I have had an incredible opportunity to get to know many different members of our community—each with a unique role and perspective. What became apparent through these relationships is that, regardless of their role, each individual at Harvard Medical School holds an extraordinary respect for the goals and values of the School. While there are certainly suggestions for improvement, there is also pride and appreciation for our collective endeavor, a desire to find a way to meaningfully contribute, and an overwhelming desire for excellence. I share those views and hope to work with our community to explore ideas for improvement and to strengthen this extraordinary academy. It is a privilege for me to have that opportunity.”
