HTNYS honors Françoise Dunefsky with 2025 Healthcare Trustee Leadership Award

Healthcare Trustees of New York State today presented Françoise Dunefsky with the 2025 Healthcare Trustee Leadership Award in recognition of her longstanding and exceptional leadership of initiatives improving patient experience and clinical outcomes.

Dunefsky started on the Vassar Brothers Medical Center board of trustees in 2010 and served as chair from 2015 to 2019. She is now a Nuvance Health system trustee, which recently became part of Northwell Health.

“With a distinguished career that seamlessly blends her expertise as a nurse and nurse educator with her unwavering commitment to continuous quality improvement, Françoise stands out as a beacon of excellence,” said John M. Murphy, MD, president and CEO, Nuvance Health. “Her unique perspective, shaped by hands-on experience in bedside care and strategic oversight, has driven transformative initiatives that prioritize patient-centered care and foster a culture of excellence within Nuvance Health, part of Northwell Health.”

Dunesfky is also recognized for playing a critical role, as a Vassar Brothers Medical Center board member and chair, in the hospital’s transition to the Nuvance Health system. “Her leadership facilitated knowledge sharing across member institutions, strengthened interdisciplinary care teams and fostered a learning and teaching environment at all levels,” said Murphy.

“It is my great honor to celebrate Françoise,” said Bea Grause, RN, JD, president, Healthcare Association of New York State. “Trustees have such a tremendous impact on their hospitals and the communities they serve. Countless lives have been touched by Françoise’s lifelong commitment to patient care and to her community, and for that I am grateful.”

Established in 1985, HTNYS’ Healthcare Trustee Leadership Award recognizes hospital and health system board members who exemplify leadership in the boardroom, dedication to improving healthcare for their community and excellence in the governance of their organization. Eligible trustees have served with distinction; have made significant contributions to the betterment of their hospital, health system or nursing home and the community it serves; and routinely go beyond the call of duty.