As the founder and longtime Chief Executive Officer of Kronos Incorporated, a Lowell-based software company that was frequently recognized as one of the best places to work in Massachusetts during his tenure, Mark Ain knows what it takes to attract, engage, and retain employees.
With his recent $1 million gift to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center to establish the Ain Pilot Fund for Workforce Development, Ain is reinforcing Lahey’s commitment to its employees. The fund will help Lahey find new and innovative ways to bolster its recruitment efforts and provide additional training, education, and mentorship opportunities for existing staff. “An organization’s most important asset is its employees, no matter what the industry,” says Ain. “Helping them feel valued and appreciated and investing in their ongoing satisfaction and growth are essential to attracting and retaining new talent.”
Launched in 1977, Kronos was a pioneer in the development of timekeeping, payroll, and workforce management technology that grew to become a global leader in the field. Putting employees first and creating a positive workplace culture was central to its success, explains Ain, who stepped down as CEO in 2005. “Investing in workforce development has never been more important at Lahey, and no one is more suited than Mark Ain to provide vision and guidance in this area,” says Joseph Corkery, MD, Internal Medicine Specialist and Chief Medical Officer for Philanthropy. “This is one of our highest priorities in philanthropy; we must ensure our staff feel supported in their roles so we can continue delivering the same high-quality care.”
In the past, Ain and his wife, Carolyn, have generously provided philanthropic support to other initiatives at Lahey focused on improving employee recruitment, training, and satisfaction. Several years ago, he established the Ain Nursing Scholarship, which is now awarded annually to nurses looking to advance their clinical practice and expertise. “Nothing makes me happier than when someone tells me I have changed their life,” says Ain, referring to past scholarship recipients who have furthered their education to move on to new careers, helping themselves and their families. “Our goal is to help Lahey support its workforce and find innovative solutions to attract and retain staff,” says Ain. “We want to ensure that they are always able to provide the best possible clinical outcomes for the patients and communities they serve.”
Adds Corkery: “We are incredibly grateful to Mark for his extraordinary support. His deep understanding of today’s complex healthcare environment and insight on how to bring about positive change are making a real difference.”