Gov. Phil Murphy announced June 25 that Judith Persichilli, RN, BSN, will be New Jersey's next health commissioner, according to The Record.
Five things to know:
1. Ms. Persichilli is the first nurse to be appointed to the position.
2. Ms. Persichilli was previously appointed interim chief executive of University Hospital in Newark, N.J., by state Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, MD. She will now succeed Dr. Elnahal as he moves on to his new role as University Hospital's CEO.
3. During her time at University Hospital, Ms. Persichilli oversaw efforts to improve the hospital's performance and reputation as it struggled with quality and finance issues.
4. Ms. Persichilli has also served as CEO of St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, N.J., and Catholic Health East in Newark, N.J. She is a founding board member and the current vice chairperson of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, a nonprofit group advocating for healthcare transparency and quality.
5. Ms. Persichilli will begin work when Dr. Elnahal steps down from his post in July 2019. She will serve as acting commissioner until the state Senate confirms her appointment.