Northeastern Voice

Executive, entrepreneur to address fall graduates

Ellen Zane

Two people active in the Boston business community -- one a hospital executive, the other an entrepreneur -- will give the commencement address during next Thursday’s fall graduation ceremonies.

Ellen and Peter Zane, known for their entrepreneurial spirit and ability to balance career success with giving back to community, will speak to approximately 1,300 graduates during the August 28, 7:30 p.m. ceremony in Matthews Arena.

Ellen, a trustee at Northeastern since 1994, has been a force in the expansion and success of some of New England’s top hospitals and healthcare networks. In 2004, she became president and chief executive officer of Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children. During the ‘90s, she served as network president for Partners HealthCare Systems, where she built one of the largest physician networks in the nation.

Peter Zane is the former president of the global bicycle lock company Kryptonite Corporation, the leading bicycle lock manufacturer in the world. The company revolutionized the bike industry with its invention of the K-4 bike lock, which became the industry standard. A committed philanthropist, Zane is a leader in a number of local nonprofits.

Together, Ellen and Peter have supported presidential scholars from the Bouvé College of Health Sciences.