Dr. Stephen L. Boswell, CEO of Fenway Health, resigned today “under pressure from the board of directors, employees, and donors over his handling of complaints that a prominent doctor allegedly sexually harassed and bullied staff members there for years,” reported the Boston Globe, which went on to state:
Dr. Stephen L. Boswell’s departure after 20 years as chief executive comes two days after a Globe investigation published online Friday detailed allegations of harrassment and bullying against Dr. Harvey J. Makadon.
Makadon allegedly sexually harrassed at least three male employees and bullied both male and female co-workers, according to current and former employees of the medical institution, known for its pioneering care and advocacy for LGBT patients. The first serious complaint against Makadon was filed in 2013. But it wasn’t until last April that Makadon, who was director of education and training at the Fenway Institute, Fenway’s research arm, was forced to resign.
Fenway issued the following statement:
Effective today, December 10, 2017, Dr. Stephen L. Boswell and the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors have agreed that Dr. Boswell’s employment as Chief Executive Officer at Fenway Health has ended, and he is no longer employed by the organization.
A formal search for Dr. Boswell’s successor will commence as soon as practicable. In the immediate term, the Executive Committee of the Board has appointed M. Jane Powers, MSW, LICSW as interim CEO. Jane is currently Fenway’s Director of Behavioral Health, a position she has held since 2013.
Fenway exists to enhance the wellbeing of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and all people in our neighborhoods and beyond. We are grateful for the support of Fenway’s leadership, staff and patients. Fenway Health is bigger than any single person. It is driven by our talented and dedicated employees, our committed and generous donors and volunteers, our partners in the community, and most importantly, all of our patients.
We thank all of you for your continued support of Fenway Health.
