Deb Joelson

Consultant

Deb Joelson is a senior strategy executive with deep health care market knowledge.  She has led strategy in major academic institutions and health systems as they have tackled the continuing disruptions in the market. She is expert in strategy, M&A, business and network development, payer strategy, government relations and marketing. 

Currently, Deb is a consultant working with Curtis Strategy focusing on Strategic Planning, M&A and Organization Design in non-profit organizations. 

Deb was the EVP & Chief Strategy Officer of Tufts Medicine (formerly Wellforce), a $2B health system in Massachusetts that includes Tufts Medical Center. She was SVP of Strategic Services at Tufts Medical Center before moving to the system.  Prior to her work at Tufts MC, she was VP of Planning and Network Development for Partners Community HealthCare (PCHI), the physician network of Mass General Brigham Health (formerly Partners HealthCare System). 

Deb has served on numerous community boards and is currently on the Board of Trustees of the Boston Children’s Museum. She is past chair of the HR committee and is committed to advancing EDI at the museum.  She is also on the board of George Washington University’s Medical Faculty Associates and the Advisory Council of Health Care Climate ActionWorks.  Deb received an MBA with a concentration in Health Care Management from Boston University and a BA from Tufts University.

Get in touch with Deb

What Clients Are Saying

  • “Deb Joelson and Delaney Teceno are consummate professionals. Their facilitative expertise, strategic planning experience, knowledge of medical membership organizations, and collegiality were extraordinary. From commencement to conclusion, they were always prepared, on time, and provided enduring electronic materials that continue to guide our 5-year strategic plan.”

    John A. Fromson, M.D., Massachusetts Psychiatric Society

  • “We just completed development of our second three year strategic framework facilitated by Eric Curtis with Curtis Strategy. The comprehensive process allowed for significant stakeholder feedback and the ability to incorporate current data and insights to ensure we are best positioned for the future. The first three year strategic plan facilitated by Curtis Strategy resulted in significant completion of our goals and priorities. Our team is excited to begin executing this new strategy.”

    Jodi Ann Ray, CEO of Texas Society of CPAs Association

  • “The Electrical Association hired Curtis Strategy to align our team for future growth and productivity. Our Association, offerings and team continues to evolve so we wanted to ensure the structure matched this direction. Eric and Nell led the team through critical exercises that helped identify what each contributor should be focusing on and responsible for. This helped us identify clear alignment and increased expectations of the team members. The team is more productive and efficient than ever before. We are excited to see the continued growth and cultural improvements because of this work.”

    Clara Albert, CEO of The Electrical Association

  • “Toral has an unparalleled depth of knowledge in regards to board governance, she clearly understands the balance between educating and effectively facilitating. She was able to strike a balance with my board of directors between sparking introspection and driving best practice. The sessions she has led have all driven substantive outcomes that have had a positive impact on my board of directors and the agency. Toral is a standout because of her highly intellectual manner and ability to command the room’s attention. I was particularly impressed with her poise and tact in bringing the energy back down when serious discussions needed to be had. I truly enjoyed working her and my board echoed my sentiments .”

    Abby Parrilla, former CEO of Arc of the South Shore

  • "CrossState Credit Union Association, representing nearly 400 credit unions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, retained Curtis Strategy for its strategic planning session in 2025. CrossState was very pleased with all phases of the planning process – pre-work including phone interviews and digital surveys, onsite guidance and leadership during the planning session, and post-planning follow-up work. The result of our work together is a clear strategic plan, including priorities and objectives to guide our work over the next three years. CrossState is very happy to recommend Curtis Strategy to other organizations for strategic planning services."

    Patrick Conway, President & CEO of CrossState Credit Union