In October 2021, longtime leader, supporter, and friend of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital–Milton Anthony “Tony” Cichello was named Chair of the Board of Trustees. In this role, he is building on his many years of commitment to the organization and working to ensure access to compassionate, high-quality, high-value care for patients and families throughout Milton and the greater community. Cichello takes the helm from Mike Brady, who commendably served the hospital in this capacity for more than a decade. “We are so fortunate to have Tony as our newest Board of Trustees chair,” says Richard Fernandez, President of BID Milton. “His depth of expertise in healthcare law, his knowledge of our local area, and his conviction to make a difference make him a true asset to our hospital.”

A partner at Krokidas & Bluestein LLP, Cichello is an attorney who has specialized in providing counsel to healthcare institutions for more than 25 years, offering unparalleled experience. An active, respected member of the community since moving to Milton in 1995, he views his board service as a chance to contribute where his skills and interests have the greatest impact. “There are so many opportunities in healthcare today,” says Cichello. “It’s a fascinating industry. I’m eager to delve into the issues and partner with BID Milton to develop meaningful strategies for moving ahead.”

Recently, we sat down with Cichello to hear about his history with BID Milton—20 years as a generous supporter and 10 as a board member—as well as his unique outlook on the healthcare industry and his goals for the future.

You were closely involved in the merger of Milton Hospital into the Beth Israel Deaconess system and then into the larger Beth Israel Lahey Health system. Can you describe this process, and some of the benefits for the communities we serve?

We were one of the first independent community hospitals to closely affiliate with BID. From day one, the relationship has been a great success for both BID Milton and for the BI system. BID Milton solidified its financial stability, gained supply chain leverage, and expanded staff coverage and specialist expertise. In a constantly changing healthcare marketplace, BID Milton has become stronger clinically, programmatically, and reputationally. Dr. Kevin Tabb, President and CEO of BILH, appreciates the role of community hospitals and the value they offer patients. There is real support for our institutions at the system level. Local boards are critical because we know our communities and help BID Milton and the BILH system deliver on our mission to ensure quality care is delivered when and where patients need it most.

Can you tell us about the partnership that exists between the Board and hospital leadership?

For more than a decade, I have witnessed great relationships between the Board and hospital leaders. BID Milton has a top-notch management team that collaborates and communicates effectively. We are united in our mission to provide the finest healthcare close to home, valuing the staff and patient experiences.

As chair of the board, what are your strategic goals for the hospital?

The Board is focused on the enduring strength of the hospital as an institution and as a community resource. Specifically, we aim to:

  • Evaluate the hospital’s role in community health to more broadly care for patients in all settings, both inpatient and outpatient
  • Identify areas of community need where BID Milton can strengthen its services with distinction
  • Renew our commitment to facilities, buildings, and equipment to provide optimal care and outcomes

You have been a generous supporter. If you had a message to share with the community, what would that be? How can they support their community hospital, as you do?

Our community has been remarkably supportive and generous, especially throughout the recent pandemic when our staff went above and beyond on a daily basis. Now more than ever, we need to recognize and appreciate what a tremendous resource BID Milton is to our community. To keep its facilities and programs at the leading edge, the hospital needs and deserves our continued philanthropic support. Making a gift to the Everyday Exceptional Campaign is a great way to get involved, as this is a key priority for the organization.

Make a gift to the Everyday Exceptional Campaign today.