President and CEO
Medical College of Wisconsin | Wauwatosa
Under Dr. John R. Raymond Sr.’s leadership, the Medical College of Wisconsin has opened two regional campuses, launched a pharmacy school and carried out a partnership with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Royal Capital Group to address social determinants of health. With an operating budget of $1.65 billion and roughly 7,300 faculty and staff, MCW is the fifth largest private employer in metro Milwaukee. The school makes a significant impact on the workforce, with half of the physicians practicing in Wisconsin being an alumnus of MCW or its residency programs.
Education: Bachelor’s and M.D., The Ohio State University
What would you do if you could choose another career: “Astrophysics. I am a big fan of hard science fiction. I’ve always been fascinated by the inner working of the universe that underpins our reality.”
One decision to do over: “We reduced incentive payouts one year during a financial challenge, which resulted in long-lasting resentment. The rationale for the decision was sound, but it was not adequately socialized. I learned that people feel institutional decisions at a very personal level, and that we did not adequately connect the financial intervention to preserving the essential work of those who were affected.”
If you could time travel: “July 20, 1969, to be there again for the Apollo 11 mission, the first moon landing.”
Cocktail of choice: “Diet Coke.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Health Care
President and CEO
Medical College of Wisconsin | Wauwatosa
Dr. John Raymond Sr. leads the state’s only private medical school and the metro Milwaukee area’s seventh largest private employer. The Medical College of Wisconsin has expanded under Raymond’s leadership, opening regional campuses in Wausau and De Pere, and growing its footprint on its home campus in Wauwatosa. Raymond became a household name during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he provided daily virtual briefings in partnership with the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce to keep area business executives informed of the virus’ spread.
Education: M.D., The Ohio State University
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it?
“Janitor. The value of a job well done.”
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career?
“Don’t be afraid to dream big dreams.”
If you could have dinner with any two business leaders, who would you choose and why?
“Bill Gates and Steve Jobs because of their constant commitment to innovation and impact.”
What are some of your favorite destinations/places to visit?
“Door County, Wisconsin. Italy. Portugal.”
What is one book you think everyone should read and why?
“‘Good to Great’ by Jim Collins. The concept of level 5 leadership provides insights into how to optimize organizational performance through a culture of leadership engagement.”
What’s your hobby/passion?
“Reading. Online chess.”
What is your favorite Wisconsin restaurant and what do you order there?
“Buckley’s Milwaukee, carrot cake.”
What would people be surprised to learn about you (fun fact)?
“I listen to progressive rock and metal music.”
What was your first car? How long did you drive it for?
“1971 Ford Mustang. Three years.”
If you could take a one-year sabbatical, what would you do?
“Learn more about how to empower communities to build sustainable strength and impact.”
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome?
“The economic, societal, political and scientific challenges from COVID-19.”
What advice would you give to a young professional?
“Do something every day to improve your organization, and leadership opportunities will come your way.”
What is one thing you would change about Wisconsin to make it even better?
“It would be good for our state if the Legislature and governor’s office could work toward common purpose.”
As you enter your office, what would you choose to be your walk-up or theme song and why?
“‘Imagine,’ by John Lennon. We seek a better world at MCW.”
Is there a nonprofit cause that has special meaning to you?
“I am a director of the board of the Milwaukee Academy of Science, a charter school that serves predominantly African American children and which has a remarkable track record of excellence, and successes in inspiring our scholars to attend colleges, universities and technical schools.”
What is the biggest risk you have ever taken?
“To serve as a highly visible medical spokesperson during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
“To retire and spend quality time with my beautiful wife, who is the love of my life.”
What has you most excited about the future?
“The passion and optimism of our students, research fellows and residents gives me great hope for our future.”
