Aston native Claire Mooney, a graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School, is the President and CEO of Tower Health’s Brandywine and Jennersville hospitals.

Mooney earned a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Immaculata University, MBA from Alvernia University, and master’s degree in Nursing and doctorate in Nursing Practice from Loyola University in New Orleans. One of her proudest professional achievements is receiving a $125,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to combat the opioid crisis.

Mooney discussed the biggest challenge she’s faced as a leader: leading two hospitals through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There is an emotional, financial, physiological, psychological, and spiritual impact for our team, our patients, and the community,” she said, while elaborating on what makes a good leader. “Vision, in my opinion, is one of the most important attributes of a leader. I subscribe to the theory of Servant Leadership. This is where the leader puts the needs of the employee first and helps people develop and preform as highly as possible. It motivates others when the focus is placed on the growth of everyone within the organization.”

Of the 12 Principles of the Scout Law — Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent — Trustworthy resonates the most with Mooney.

“My background is in nursing, and we have been voted the most trustworthy profession for the last 19 years, because we have always been regarded as honest and compassionate people,” she said. “Over my 26-year career, I was trusted to care for some of our most vulnerable community members, those who have experienced a trauma, and those requiring a heart transplant. Now, I care for the staff, caring for our patients. As a hospital CEO, it is important that I am as trustworthy as I am responsible for the planning, direction, and coordination of the day-to-day operations.”

The Chester County Council, Boy Scouts of America will honor Mooney and the 11 other VISTA Leadership Megastars at a hybrid awards ceremony on Sept. 14 at its new Program, Activity, and Resource Campus (PARC) in Exton. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Sarah Ponzio at sarah.ponzio@scouting.org or 610-696-2900 x 121.