Michael J. Dowling
Michael J. Dowling is one of healthcare’s most influential voices and most prominent leaders in the US and beyond. As president and CEO of Northwell Health, he leads a clinical, academic and research enterprise that is New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer, with a workforce of more than 85,000.
He grew up in Knockaderry in West Limerick and went on to study at University College Cork. He continued his studies in New York, earning his MA from Fordham University. He also holds honorary doctorates from Queen’s University Belfast, University College Dublin, Hofstra University, Fordham University and Dowling College.
Before joining Northwell Health in 1995, he was a Senior Vice President at Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield. Dowling served in New York State government for 12 years, including seven years as State Director of Health, Education and Human Services and deputy secretary to Governor Mario Cuomo. He was also commissioner of the New York State Department of Social Services.
In 2022, Dowling was selected as America’s most influential leader in healthcare by Modern Healthcare. He has been honoured with many other awards and recognitions throughout his career, including The Conference Board’s 2023 Committee for Economic Development Distinguished Leadership Award, and a 2022 Honorary Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, an award reserved for world leaders in medical science and those who have made exceptional contributions to medicine and healthcare.
In 2020, he received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad, in recognition of his contribution to Ireland and to the Irish communities abroad, presented by the President of Ireland. In 2017, he was honoured by being appointed grand marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. He was also inducted into the Irish America Hall of Fame in 2017.