“It’s a huge honor and emotionally meaningful for us to establish a distinguished chair in nursing at the Brigham. Making this gift was the perfect opportunity to recognize nursing’s tremendous role at the hospital.” —BETH MARTIGNETTI

“It’s a huge honor and emotionally meaningful for us to establish a distinguished chair in nursing at the Brigham,” says Beth Martignetti, a former Brigham nurse. Her husband, Carmine, adds, “Making this gift was the perfect opportunity to recognize nursing’s tremendous role at the hospital.”

The couple was overjoyed to see Maddy Pearson, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, celebrated as the inaugural Beth V. Martignetti Distinguished Chair in Nursing at a ceremony in August. Pearson, the senior vice president for Patient Care Services and chief nursing officer, said she shares the honor with the hospital’s 4,000 nurses and nurse leaders.

“This distinguished chair creates opportunities to enrich nurses’ professional development, advance our practice, and more fully open doors for nurses interested in research and innovation,” Pearson noted. To the Martignettis, she said, “You will always be part of this nursing community, and we’re so grateful for your vision with this truly transformational gift.”

During Beth’s Brigham nursing career, she worked primarily as a surgical nurse, including cardiothoracic surgery. When asked to join the Board of Trustees, she served enthusiastically for 12 years, lending her nursing perspectives.

Over time, Beth and Carmine have participated on several boards and committees. Their three children were also born at the hospital.

With their gift, Carmine says, “It signifies a nurse supporting a nurse, and we couldn’t be happier.” Beth says, “Being the first chair in nursing makes it even more meaningful.”

In Pearson’s five years at the hospital, she has already made a great impact, including leading the Department of Nursing through the challenges of the pandemic, working with nurses to achieve Magnet and Baby-Friendly Hospital designations, and elevating nurses’ voices and prominence across the institution.

The Brigham’s president, Robert S.D. Higgins, MD, MSHA, says, “Maddy is a passionate, determined advocate for our nurses, patients, and their loved ones. I’m proud and hopeful that an endowed chair will elevate the entire Department of Nursing. We are deeply grateful for the Martignettis’ generosity in providing funding and for their partnership and vision for enhancing support for nursing.”