Winchester's Naik Honored With Macdonald Leadership Award

A release from MelroseWakefield Hospital:

MELROSE, Ma - Winchester's Rutwa Naik was named one of the first recipients of the Alan Macdonald Leadership Award, named after Winchester's Macdonald in recognition of MelroseWakefield Healthcare employees.

Scholarships were awarded to five employees to support the development of their leadership skills. Naik, manager of accreditation, is pursuing a project management certification to help expand her skills to drive initiatives that increase patient safety.

In addition to Naik, four others were honored including David Brandt, Katherine Booth, Barbara Kaufman, and Ruchit Marfatia.

The scholarship was established in 2018 in honor of former MelroseWakefield Healthcare president and CEO Alan Macdonald to continue his spirit of leadership after his retirement. The award will be given annually to employees who demonstrate innovative thinking and leadership potential.

In the award’s inaugural year, more than 50 applications were received from talented and motivated employees across the organization. Applicants were evaluated based on their clarity of direction, personal drive and inspiration. The scholarships are funded by philanthropic donations and personally by Macdonald.

“To see the talent we have at this organization is so inspiring,” Macdonald said. “It’s important to us to give people with the characteristics to lead us into the future the opportunity to develop those skills.

“The thrill is watching these folks succeed and giving them a boost to do so,” said Macdonald.