Deputy Chancellor Tom Manning to retire in June 2012

Tom Manning

“After a career that spans more than three decades and includes a role in virtually every major achievement of our academic medical center over that time, Tom Manning has let me know of his intention to step down from his role as deputy chancellor in June,” the chancellor wrote in a memo to faculty. “It is typical of Tom’s regard for this institution that he is enthusiastically willing to spend the time between now and June working closely with me and with Commonwealth Medicine leadership on a transition plan that will position Commonwealth Medicine for continued future success.” 

Manning began his UMMS career in 1978—at what was then UMass Medical Center—as the associate hospital director for mental health affairs; his work in the department of psychiatry with then-department chair (and later, chancellor and dean) Aaron Lazare, MD, laid the groundwork for the medical school’s significant involvement in public sector psychiatry programs. 

Manning also oversaw strategic facilities planning in the era that led to the acquisition of a number of UMMS facilities, including the Shriver Center in Waltham, the Worcester Foundation in Shrewsbury, Century Drive and the South Street campus, as well as the construction of the Lazare Research Building. Manning also led the group that planned and executed the medical school’s façade modernization project, which is credited with preserving the main medical school and hospital building. 

“Under Tom’s leadership, Commonwealth Medicine grew from a loosely connected group of public service programs for state agencies into an integral component of public health financing and delivery in the state and across the country,” said Chancellor Collins. “Conservative estimates of Commonwealth Medicine’s impact suggest savings for the state of Massachusetts on the order of billions of dollars over the past decade. In areas as diverse as disability evaluation, newborn screening, correctional medicine and public health policy, Commonwealth Medicine has set the standard for cost-effective and efficient public sector partnerships for state government. Tens of thousands of lives in Massachusetts have been made better by the work of Commonwealth Medicine.” 

Manning also played a key role in the expansion of UMass Biologics in Mattapan and worked on the leadership team that created the framework for UMass Memorial Health Care. 

Manning’s work has been acknowledged with honors such as the Manuel Carballo Governor's Award for Excellence in Public Service and a Commissioner’s Special Commendation for outstanding service, advocacy and dedication to the delivery of high-quality mental health care by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health. He serves on the boards of trustees of Assumption College, the Genesis Club and Family Health Center.  

“Over the next nine months, Tom will work closely with Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Joyce Murphy and me to develop and implement a transition process; we look forward to benefiting from Tom’s wisdom in this process, as we have in so many other endeavors,” wrote Collins. “At a time closer to his well-deserved retirement, there will be a time for all of his many friends, colleagues and admirers to wish him well.”