Leader Spotlight
Paul Craig’s journey began in healthcare, first as a nurse and then as a hospital
executive, before moving into medical malpractice law and eventually ascending to
leadership roles across major U.S. health systems. Over the years, he’s overseen
departments ranging from patient experience and telemedicine to government relations and community benefit. Through it all, Paul’s work has been anchored in one unwavering mission: improving lives through compassion, integrity, and access to care.
Now, as Chair of the U4U Foundation, Paul brings that same mission-driven leadership to a global stage. His passion for advancing healthcare and humanitarian relief has found a new purpose—supporting Ukrainian relief organizations in the wake of war. His role with U4U allows him to champion cross-border partnerships, guide strategic grantmaking, and advocate for dignity and hope amid crisis. Paul’s introduction to the U4U cause came through a conversation with colleagues deeply involved in international health. “I was immediately drawn to the foundation’s commitment to locally led efforts, cultural sensitivity, and transparency. It’s not just about aid—it’s about trust and unity,” he says. That conversation sparked a deeper
involvement that would soon lead to his role as Board Chair. Under his leadership, U4U launched a national membership network for Ukrainian relief organizations, helped deliver millions in aid, and built systems to streamline funding, track impact, and ensure accountability. To Paul, legacy and leadership are about creating lasting, ripple effects. “When people see that you’re building something grounded in values, it opens the door for collaboration,” he notes. “We’re not just supporting organizations — we’re building a community.” Outside of his work with U4U, Paul enjoys cycling, sailing, and spending time with his wife, Mary Jo — a retired nurse and fellow humanitarian. Together, they share a lifelong dedication to service.
Healthcare
Every day, doctors in Ukraine fight two battles—one against war injuries, another against infection. Many hospitals lack basic sterilization protocols, turning treatable wounds during battle into life-threatening infections.
Pack the Plane delivers what matters most: equipment, training and hope. Founded by Dr. Vitaliy Poylin, a Ukrainian-born American surgeon, the project sends Physicians with surgical tools and infection-control supplies directly to hospitals across Ukraine. Each plane carries lifesaving tools and training to places like Kyiv Regional Hospital and the Ukrainian National Cancer Institute. But supplies alone aren’t enough. Dr. Poylin and his team teach local surgeons low-cost, high-impact
techniques, like performing “timeouts” before surgery to prevent mistakes, or sharpening and sterilizing instruments to stop bacteria from spreading. These small changes have already reduced post-surgical infections in Ukrainian hospitals. For Dr. Poylin, this mission is personal. He grew up in Ukraine, became a nurse at 14 and trained as a doctor before his family fled to the U.S. for safety where he re-trained and became a renounced surgeon. Decades later, he’s using that experience to support his former classmates and friends who now work under fire.
Healthcare
In Ukraine, war has changed everything. Including how doctors save lives. Before the conflict, stoma
care was often avoided. It carried cultural stigma and few hospitals had the knowledge or nurses to
support patients after surgery.
Now, traumatic injuries make stoma procedures unavoidable. The need for skilled care is urgent.
Pack the Plane is leading that change. Rather than shipping supplies, their mission is to train physicians
and nurses inside Ukraine, teaching infection control, stoma care and surgical safety in hospitals where
every tool and minute counts…