Deb O’Hara-Rusckowski, RN, MBA, MTS

Deb is a Critical Care RN for over 30 years. She earned both her BSN and an MBA from Northeastern University in Boston (’82 and ’94 respectively) and held several marketing positions at Hewlett Packard, Agilent and Marquette Electronics. Deb graduated from Boston College 05/14 with her Masters in Theology.

Deb enjoys philanthropic work. She spent 4 years on the Board of the American Heart Association, and 5 years on the Board of Directors for Boston’s Healthcare for the Homeless Program. Deb is a member of the Federal Disaster Medical Team and was deployed to NYC on 9/11/01. She has been on missions to Bosnia-Herzogovina working with victims of war, and several medical missions to the Dominican Republic.

Deb has been going to Haiti for the past 13 years doing nursing educational missions, was on the CRUDEM Board for 8 years and continues to work to improve healthcare in Haiti. She spent several weeks working in Haiti post-earthquake in Milot, on the ground, and on the USNS Comfort ship for Project HOPE.

She currently works as a Delegate for the United Nations for the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and formerly was a member of the Committee to Stop Trafficking in Persons (CSTIP) for 3 years. During her time with CSTIP, she spearheaded a project which brought an educational exhibit called a GIFT Box to both Boston/New England and Haiti to raise awareness and empower people in the fight against human trafficking. Deb continues to educate about this topic to both community and healthcare areas.

Deb also sits on several Boards including National Catholic Bioethics Center, the Arnold P.Gold Foundation, RAD-AID, International, the World Youth Alliance (WYA) and Malteser. International Americas. Deb was formerly Chair of the Jerome Lejeune Foundation USA, and also completed two terms as a Board of Councilors member for the American Association Order of Malta. As a member of the Order of Malta, she participates on their annual pilgrimage to Lourdes as a member of the medical team. Deb also loves helping the Sisters of Life in various capacities.

Deb was Archdiocese of Boston’s Coordinator/Director for the Respect Life Office from 2000-2007 and implemented a new chastity curriculum for schools and parishes. She initiated a young adult program called Pure in Heart in Boston, Haiti, Ireland, UK and Kenya, and also brought Theology of the Body training and a Natural Family Planning program to Haiti.

Deb was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, grew up mostly in Boston and now resides in New York City with her husband Steve. She desires to work where she can combine her love for healthcare, business and her faith.

Current Boards:

  • National Catholic Bioethics Center
  • RAD-AID, International
  • Arnold P. Gold Foundation
  • Malteser International Americas
  • World Youth Alliance

Former Boards:

  • American Association Order of Malta (6 years)
  • CRUDEM (Haiti) 8 years
  • Boston Healthcare for the Homeless (5 years)
  • American Heart Association, 5 years

Professional Memberships:

  • Taught at Northeastern University School of Nursing, 4 years
  • IMAT and DMAT – emergency disaster teams for federal government – activated 9/11 and served at Cornell Burn Unit for 14 days after tragedy
  • NOVA, National Organization for Victim’s Assistance – Participated in team in Bosnia Herzegovina and worked with girls/women who survived rape camps