The Imperative for Developing an Advocate's Mind and a Civic Soul in Health Leadership: Why There's No Greater Time Than Now
Paul Mounds, Jr.
Vice President of Community, Corporate, and Government Relations at Yale New Haven Health
October 8, 2026 | 5:00 p.m.
Konover Auditorium, Dodd Center for Human Rights
Storrs Campus & Livestream
Livestream Link | Submit a Question
About the Speaker
Paul Mounds, Jr. is a senior executive, governance leader, and public affairs strategist with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of government, health care, higher education, and civic leadership.
He currently serves as Vice President of Community, Corporate, and Government Relations at Yale New Haven Health, where he leads enterprise-wide strategies connecting the health system with government leaders, community organizations, businesses, and external partners. His work focuses on advancing public policy priorities, strengthening institutional partnerships, and expanding the health system’s civic and community impact.
Previously, Mounds served as Chief of Staff to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Governor’s Office and helping provide strategic leadership across more than 40 state agencies and approximately 40,000 employees during a consequential period that included the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and major government modernization efforts.
He also served as Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief of Staff under Governor Lamont and held senior communications policy and government affairs roles under Governor Dannel P. Malloy, U.S Senator Richard Blumenthal, and U.S. Congressman and Caucus Chairman John B. Larson.
Paul brings extensive experience in institutional governance. He serves as a Trustee of Trinity College and The Loomis Chaffee School and is Vice Chair of the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. His prior gubernatorial and legislative appointments include service as the Governor’s designee to the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, the Connecticut Judicial Selection Commission, Connecticut Higher Education and Student Loan Authority, Connecticut Fiscal Stability and Economic Growth Commission and other state boards focused on economic development, higher education, and public policy.
As a Visiting Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Taubman Center for State and Local Government, Paul contributed his experience as a gubernatorial chief of staff to programs preparing current and future public leaders.
His leadership philosophy centers on strategy, execution, accountability, collaboration, and public service.
About the Rowe Lecture
The John and Valerie Rowe Scholars Visiting Lecture Series brings distinguished health professionals, scholars, and researchers to UConn to speak about relevant topics in health care. The lecture series is a key component of the John and Valerie Rowe Health Professions Scholars Program, which supports underrepresented students in pursuing careers in the health professions.
We are indebted to Drs. John and Valerie Rowe for their generosity and visionary support of these Honors students, who are also proud Rowe Scholars.
Join the Conversation
Please use the form during the lecture to check in and submit questions for the Q & A: s.uconn.edu/rowelecture