From Bedside to Boardroom: A Kent State Nurse’s Journey to Leadership
Inspired by her mother’s nursing career, Lisa Aurilio, ’87, MSN ’99, MBA ’11, knew early on that her passion for science and connection with people made nursing the perfect path. At Kent State, she thrived—immersing herself in the highly ranked nursing program, leading student organizations and embracing traditions like the Homecoming parade and painting the Rock. An impactful professor opened her eyes to the power nurses have beyond the bedside, sparking a drive to lead and influence healthcare on a broader scale. Lisa returned to Kent State for a master’s in nursing administration, launching her into leadership roles at Akron Children’s, including director of nursing and later chief nursing officer. Determined to deepen her impact, she completed Kent State’s executive MBA to sharpen her business acumen.
Now chief operating officer of Akron Children’s, Lisa champions a nursing perspective at the highest level—shaping care for thousands of patients and families. Get to know Lisa in her own words. She remains connected to her alma mater as a member of the Alumni Board of Directors and as adjunct faculty for the College of Nursing, training the next generation of Kent State nurses to deliver compassionate, effective care. Get to know Lisa in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
LA: Spending time with my family, especially my nieces. One who is currently a junior at Kent State, and the other two are high school seniors under recruitment by me to be future Flashes!
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
LA: Courage and resilience.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
LA: I tend to move to action too quickly.
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
LA: My parents. They encourage me to be an independent thinker and trust my instincts. Both of my parents held management and leadership roles, and our dinner conversations about their workdays were where I first learned about how to be a leader.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
LA: It’s hard because there are so many. At the top of the list are building the nursing float and participating in the Homecoming parades, dressing up in group costumes with fellow nursing students for Halloween, painting the Rock on Front Campus and stringing our student nurse uniforms across Risman Plaza after our last clinical day.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
LA: My favorite journey has been working with, beside and for so many amazing nurses, clinicians and providers throughout my career. I have learned so much from every one of them. Their compassion and the impact that each has had on the health and lives of the Northeast Ohio community leaves me in awe.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
LA: Leaving my cellphone behind and taking a hike in the woods.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
LA: Being able to precept and mentor new nurses and having the privilege of being able to teach new nurse leaders in the Nursing Administration Graduate Program in the College of Nursing.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
LA: It’s a toss-up between Eleanor Roosvelt because of her tireless advocacy for human rights, equity and social justice or Florence Nightingale because of her compassion and data-driven reform of hospital management and the discipline of modern nursing.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
LA: The faculty, many of whom I call friends today, who took the time to invest in me and mentor me not just as a student but as a healthcare leader and as a person.