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Donna Sollenberger

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

City of Hope

Donna Sollenberger never planned to go into health care. She had chosen a career in politics, but when her boss, the governor of Illinois, lost his reelection bid she lost her position. Little did she know her decision to work for a small medical group would turn into a long-time career.

“It was more fate than planning the way I got into health care,” said Sollenberger. “I am very happy with my decision.”

Running operations for one of America’s largest cancer centers means long hours and the chore of trying to decipher all of the recent changes going on in the health care industry. In addition to working a 70-hour week, Sollenberger takes a minimum of 10 hours of work home on weekends.

So why does she put up with it? It’s simple she loves her job.

Another factor, she says, is having a supportive husband who works at home and takes care of their three children. “I don’t regret it (working hard),” said Sollenberger. “I am doing this by choice and I think we have managed to balance our lives very well.”

Jessica Toledano