Harriet G. Tolpin, PhD, is an economist with interests in the intersections of education, workforce development, health, and civic leadership.  She currently works as an advisor and mentor to non-profit leaders. In her previous role as Senior Advisor for Workforce Development and Community Health at Partners HealthCare, she oversaw strategy and program development related to workforce pipelines for youth, community residents, and incumbent workers.  As Dean of the Graduate School for Health Studies at Simmons College, Dr. Tolpin led several health professions education programs including primary health care nursing, nutrition, physical therapy and health care administration.  She has an undergraduate degree from Wellesley College and a PhD in Economics from Boston College.

Dr. Tolpin has considerable experience in civic leadership, and has been a Board member of several nonprofit organizations that serve vulnerable populations. She previously served on the Boards of the Neighborhood Health Plan and Goddard House and chaired the Boards of Vinfen and the Benjamin Banneker Charter Public School in Cambridge.  She is currently a member of the Boards of Nurtury (formerly Associated Early Care and Education) and the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education.  She is an informal mentor, coach, and career advisor to many emerging leaders in nonprofit organizations.  She is a strong believer in multi sector initiatives that bring together health professionals, educators, employers and policy makers to create positive, sustainable outcomes for families and communities.