Jill Graziano ’96
Tell us about your current position:
I currently serve as President of Unity Hospital and United Memorial Medical Center, two hospitals within Rochester Regional Health. In this role, I’m responsible for overall hospital operations, including operational and financial performance, patient experience, and team member engagement. I lead a diverse team of clinical and administrative leaders to ensure we deliver high-quality care to our community.
With a background as a registered nurse, I bring an appreciation for frontline care and work to create a culture where both patients and team members feel supported. I also work closely with system leadership to align local efforts with broader health system goals, drive performance improvement, and prepare our hospitals for the future of healthcare.
Were there any professors, mentors, or courses that had an impact on you?
Absolutely. Gail Hagenah, one of my nursing professors, had a lasting impact on me, not just academically, but personally. She lived in Brockport and welcomed me into her home for dinner a few times with her husband. That level of warmth and compassion made a real impression on me and showed me the kind of care I wanted to bring into my career. I appreciated that, especially when I was home sick.
I also remember Dr. Kathleen Peterson, my pediatrics professor and now the School of Nursing chair. She stood out as someone young, incredibly smart, and genuinely kind. I looked up to her and appreciated the way she balanced professionalism with approachability.
Overall, the nursing program at Brockport was something to be proud of and still is. It was well known for being competitive to get into and demanding to complete. At the time, it felt tough, but looking back, I realize how much it shaped my work ethic and standards. We were held to a higher bar, and that experience has stayed with me throughout my career.
Did you take part in any extracurriculars, internships, or campus organizations?
While I was at Brockport, I worked as a Patient Care Technician at Highland Hospital, first in the Emergency Department and then on the medical-surgical unit, West 7. That hands-on experience was invaluable. I learned how to provide direct patient care, get comfortable in the fast pace and rhythm of a hospital, and had the benefit of nurses and physicians who took the time to teach me. That early exposure not only helped me build clinical confidence, but it also gave me perspective in my current leadership role. I appreciate what frontline care really looks like, how rewarding it is, and how hard it can be.
I was also a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha (ASA). Being part of a sorority taught me how to build connections with people from different backgrounds and personalities, people I might not have crossed paths with otherwise. That sense of teamwork and shared purpose has served me well both personally and professionally.
Were there any “aha” moments during your time at Brockport?
When I graduated from Brockport, I felt genuinely prepared and confident that healthcare was the right path for me. The combination of academics and hands-on experience gave me the confidence I needed to start my career.
On a more personal note, Brockport is also where I met my husband, Marc. We both lived in McFarlane Hall as freshmen, but didn’t start dating until our senior year. We’ve been together ever since. We have two daughters, Lucie, who is 20 and a rising junior at Washington and Lee University, and Mallory, who is almost 16 and will be finishing high school at the New Hampton School in New Hampshire, where she will play ice hockey.
Brockport shaped so much of my life, both professionally and personally, and I’m grateful for the experience.
If you had to attribute your success to one thing at Brockport, what would it be?
I’m grateful I chose nursing because it offers so much variety; you can take your career in countless directions. What I’ve come to appreciate most, though, is how transferable the skills are. Nursing school taught me how to think critically, assess the whole person or situation, listen, show compassion, trust my instincts, communicate, advocate for what is right, and follow through. These skills are especially valuable in leadership.
What advice would you give to current students?
I’d say: get involved. Learn what’s happening on campus and lean in. Join clubs, go to events, cheer on the sports teams, and attend plays and recitals. Although college is about academics, the relationships and experiences you build outside the classroom matter, too.
If you’re interested in a healthcare career, take every opportunity to gain real-world exposure. Work in a hospital, nursing home, home care, or other clinical setting—it’ll give you valuable insight into how care is delivered and what it’s really like on the front lines.
Build relationships with your professors and mentors. And don’t underestimate the power of networking. It might feel awkward at first, but putting yourself out there is one of the best ways to grow your professional network and open doors down the road.