Murphy Formally Announces Intention to Nominate Judy Persichilli as NJ Commissioner of Health
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Governor Phil Murphy today announced his intention to nominate Judy Persichilli to serve as the next commissioner of health.
“Judy will be the first commissioner of health to have started her career as a nurse,” Murphy said.
The outgoing commissioner, Shereef Elnahal, will become the president and CEO of University Hospital in mid-July. Persichilli has held the same CEO job on an interim basis since December, according to NJ.com.
A full release from the governor’s office is reprinted below:
Governor Murphy Announces Intent to Nominate Judy Persichilli as New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner
TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced his intention to nominate Judy Persichilli as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health. Ms. Persichilli takes the helm from Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, who will depart the Administration in July to serve as CEO of University Hospital. Ms. Persichilli is the first registered nurse to hold the position.
“Judy is a true health care professional, with keen insight into managing health systems to enhance the public good,” said Governor Murphy. “As Judy prepares to join my cabinet, I look forward to continuing the relationship we have built during her time as University Hospital Monitor, so she can apply her singular talents for the benefit of all New Jerseyans.”
“I am thrilled by the opportunity to continue serving the people of New Jersey as the Commissioner of Department of Health and thank Governor Murphy for entrusting me with this responsibility,” said incoming Department of Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli. “By bringing my deep experience in all aspects of health care to bear on improving the services the Department provides, I look forward to tackling the challenges that lay ahead and implementing the Governor’s agenda to build a New Jersey that stronger, fairer, and healthier.”
“With Ms. Persichilli’s selection, I cannot overemphasize how optimistic I am for the Department’s future,” said outgoing Department of Health Commissioner Shareef Elnahal. “Her record of accomplishments in health care speaks for itself — but I have also seen her in action as a dynamic and engaging leader. I have full confidence that she will carry the Governor’s health care priorities forward in an impactful way for New Jersey residents.”
“I’ve enjoyed working alongside Judy as a thought leader on public health issues,” said Senator Vitale, chair of the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee. “Her vast experience and leadership qualities will well serve our state.”
“I would like to congratulate Judy on her new appointment as Health Commissioner,” said Assemblyman Conaway, Chair of the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee. “I’ve known her for a number of years and she has proven herself as a national health care leader. I would also like to congratulate Shereef Elnahal on his new appointment to University Hospital.”
Judy M. Persichilli is President Emerita, CHE Trinity Health and previously served as the Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of CHE Trinity Health. Prior to that, she was President and CEO of Catholic Health East and served for eight years as CEO at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton.
Ms. Persichilli received her nursing diploma from the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in 1968, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University in 1976, and a Master of Arts in Administration Summa Cum Laude from Rider College in 1980. She has received an honorary Doctor of Health degree from Georgian Court University and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn.
She is a member of various community agencies and is a member of several community boards, including the Health Care Administration Board of the State of New Jersey on appointment by the Governor. Ms. Persichilli also serves on the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute and the Audit and Compliance Committee of the Board of Bayada Nursing Agency. She was inducted into the New Jersey State Nurses Association Hall of Honor in 2006.
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Interesting choice. A very qualified Republican.