Maija N. Williams is a nationally recognized healthcare leader and frequent speaker with over 25 years of experience across nonprofit healthcare, research administration, and organizational development. She served as Chief Operating Officer of The Rockefeller University Hospital and Administrative Director of The Rockefeller Center for Clinical and Translational Science, leading operations, finance, and strategy at one of the nation’s premier clinical research institutions—expertise she brings to CTAC’s board.
While at Rockefeller University, Maija oversaw the administrative and operational leadership of both the Hospital and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, guiding growth-focused strategy while streamlining operations for efficiency. Her work spans financial analysis and strategy, human resources, facilities, business development, and contract negotiations with sponsors and strategic partners. She has played a vital role in the successful renewals of Rockefeller’s NIH National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) Clinical and Translational Science Award since 2006, bringing more than $135 million in grant funding to the institution.
Across her career, Maija has held leadership roles in national and local organizations including the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the American Public Health Association (APHA), HealthCare Leaders of New York (HLNY), the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), and the Association for Clinical and Translational Science (ACTS). Her service reflects a sustained commitment to building the workforce, partnerships, and community-based capacity needed to strengthen U.S. clinical trials and expand access for patients closer to home. Her honors include the 2021 ACHE Regent’s Award for Volunteer Executive and the 2020 Excellence in Health Administration Award from the APHA Health Administration Section.
Maija holds a B.A. in Sociology from the State University of New York at Binghamton, a Master of Public Health from New York University, and a certification in Health Care Executive Management from the University of California, Los Angeles.
As Board Treasurer, Maija oversees CTAC’s finances and financial reporting, bringing the fiscal and operational discipline of her career to the organization’s growth and long-term sustainability.
