Presenting the 2024 People to Watch in Health Care

Even long-time NJBIZ readers might be wondering what it is they are reading in these pages this week. It’s a fair question, especially since the feature is relatively new. So, here’s an explanation.

These “watch” lists attempt to identify individuals who contribute greatly to the success of their organizations and, in the case of health care, to the well-being of the state but have yet to earn wide recognition for their efforts. The honorees here are all well-known and respected by their colleagues, their peers and in many cases their patients. The work they do, sometimes behind the scenes or away from the public eye, is critical to advancing the industry and its various professions. And the folks on this list do that work at an exceedingly high level.

Some have received awards and honors from professional or trade organizations and those tributes are well-deserved. But the general public including most of the business community remains unaware of that sort of recognition, coming as it does from programs aimed at a niche audience. This list and others like it represent an attempt to shine a brighter spotlight on the work that led to those honors. Or at least a spotlight visible to a wider public.

That means that this list is not entirely made up of younger, up-and-coming professionals. Some have been doing outstanding work for many years, but because of their roles, their contributions are often obscure or out of sight. Again, the list represents an effort to change that dynamic.

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In all likelihood, readers will see some of these names in future NJBIZ issues perhaps in Power lists or among the ranks of our award winners . In fact, if all goes well, many more accolades will follow for these individuals.

Finally, a word on how these folks were chosen. The NJBIZ editorial staff followed the same process used to compile our Power lists. We contacted people we know and trust for input about colleagues and others they think are doing good work. NJBIZ also maintains a form for readers to suggest names and make the case for those recommendations. In other words, we cast nets both near and far.

So, as you read the profiles, think about the people you work with every day or even on rare but critical occasions and let us know about them. And tell us how you think we did with this list, which presents the honorees in alphabetical order.

Jeffrey Kanige

 

2024 People to Watch in Health Care:

Rania Abou Samra

As global head of product & technology development and head of U.S. R&D for Nestle Health Science, Abou Samra oversees innovation and strategic growth initiatives at a global scale. In December, the company celebrated five years at its global research and development hub in Bridgewater. The $70 million Nestl Product Technology Center offers capabilities across the R&D lifecycle. “At the NPTC, we embrace an agile and entrepreneurial mindset, leveraging the ‘fail fast, move forward’ approach,” Abou Samra commented on the occasion of the anniversary. “Through the use of small-scale manufacturing in our pilot plants, we have been able to produce products that are safe, compliant, and more convenient for consumers to test breakthrough innovations.” Among developments that have come out of the center are new formulas for Boost and Carnation Breakfast Essentials. Other initiatives include a startup challenge with partner Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University’s Food & Nutrition Innovation Institute. Abou Samra served on the judges panel for competition, which aims to help support new ventures looking to positively impact global health. Abou Samra has more than 20 years' experience in nutrition and research and development. Looking ahead expect more from Bridgewater. “Our commitment to agility ensures that we can effectively respond to evolving patient and consumer needs and drive innovation across all categories,” Abou Samra said in December. “With a focus on emerging trends like AI, healthy aging and longevity, and sustainability, our team will continue to lead in key technologies,” she said.

Dr. Juan Camilo Arjona Ferreira

In January, Arjona Ferreira, the chief medical officer of Organon, assumed the role of head of research and development succeeding Dr. Sandra Milligan, who left to become president of Aspira Women’s Health. He leads the advancement of a diverse portfolio of medicines and solutions for Jersey City-based Organon, a global health care company focused on improving the health of women throughout their lives. In this role, Arjona Ferreira contributes his perspective overseeing and strengthening the organization’s scientific, medical and regulatory capabilities in support of its long-term mission. Kevin Ali, Organon’s CEO, noted Milligan’s efforts in helping to establish Organon and leading its efforts to expand its women’s health focus as well as developing its R&D capabilities to support its current portfolio and building a pipeline to drive future growth. “As we continue to advance our current portfolio and deliver on the promise of the innovations within our pipeline, Dr. Arjona Ferreira brings a strong track record of developing treatments in women’s health along with the leadership and collaborative spirit to help us in achieving our goals,” said Ali.

Dr. Jason Auerbach and Mark Censoprano

The co-CEOs of Max Surgical Specialty Management, Auerbach and Censoprano lead the Hackensack-based organization a growing disruptor in surgeon-led oral and maxillofacial surgery. Since its founding by Auerbach in October, MAX has rapidly grown. It operates 22-plus location across four states, with a goal of supporting needed oral surgery practices throughout the entire Northeast. In March, Censoprano joined as Auerbach’s co-CEO bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to the rapidly growing organization. The two are working side-by-side to lead MAX’s growth strategy and executive team. “This is a new chapter, having Mark join MAX,” said Auerbach in a March statement. “I am confident that his strategic vision, leadership, and industry-specific expertise will be invaluable as we continue to grow and achieve our goals while never losing focus of what got us here in the first place: our absolute dedication to our patients, to our referring doctors, and our surgeons the heartbeat of our organization.”

Aaron Berg

Berg has been with Amarin since 2012 and boasts more than a decade of life sciences industry experience. He has steadily climbed the executive ladder at Amarin, which focuses on cardiovascular disease management briefly serving as interim CEO and president last April before returning to his post as executive vice president and president of the U.S. business. Then just last month, following the resignation of Patrick Holt, Berg was appointed once again as president and CEO. “I welcome working closely again with Aaron as President & CEO,” said Dr. Odysseas Kostas, Amarin’s chairman. “No one knows the company better than Aaron and we look forward to him contributing meaningfully as CEO.” Said Berg: “As I begin this new role, my focus is clear to find ways to deliver value for investors, and to maximize the potential of VASCEPA/VAZKEPA for patients. ... I look forward to continuing to work with our Board of Directors and our tremendous team focusing on these priorities for the company as we move forward.”

Sarah Bossio

After her own experience acclimating to her children’s sleep patterns as a mom, Bossio, a longtime special education teacher, launched Your Sleep Zen Baby in 2021. The Bergen County-based company serves as a specialized resource offering assistance to parents dealing with various aspects of baby and toddler sleep. Bossio tailors sleep training methods to each family’s unique needs emphasizing a no-one-size-fits-all approach. Since launching, she has worked with more than 350 families through one-on-one sessions and group classes, boasting a success rate of 98% and helping clients achieve goals like independent night sleep. “I started my business because I found a great need for supportive, non-judgmental, science-backed sleep education and support in the parenting space,” she told CanvasRebel in an interview earlier this year. “Parents often encounter information overload that can sometime trigger feelings of shame, guilt, and loneliness when they are searching for help and support with sleep. I saw the need to not only offer supportive methods but individualized programs in a world inundated with online course and one-sized-fits-all sleep training methods.”

Dr. Robert Brenner

In July, Brenner added to his already extensive responsibilities as Valley Health System president by being promoted to CEO, replacing long-serving chief executive Audrey Meyers who is assuming the role of system CEO emeritus. As Valley’s president and CEO, Brenner will serve as a member of the board and lead the system’s overall vision, strategy development, future program and service expansion, and the operations of its three entities: Valley Hospital, Valley Home Care, and Valley Medical Group. He played an integral role in the opening of Valley’s new Paramus hospital, which opened in April. “Having recently celebrated the milestone of opening our new campus in Paramus, it is the right time to appoint Rob as our System President and CEO,” Meyers said. “He has the vision, the experience, the talent, and the skills to ensure Valley’s continued success.” Brenner said: “I feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve our patients, our staff, our volunteers, and the community. ... I am unbelievably fortunate to be working with such a talented and dedicated Board of Trustees and a skilled, high-performing leadership team. I thank the board and Valley’s leadership and staff especially Audrey Meyers for their confidence and support.”

Christine “Chrissy” Buteas

In April, Buteas began her tenure as president and CEO of the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey succeeding long-time leader Dean Paranicas following his retirement. “We are very fortunate to have selected her as our new leader a highly regarded and accomplished businessperson with statewide recognition. Chrissy brings to HINJ an impressive record of success from her previous positions in health care as the head of Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey, as Government Affairs Officer at the New Jersey Business & Industry Association and most recently as Vice President, Government Affairs at Altice,” said Chris Lepore, HINJ chair. “These experiences will help to further enhance the mission of the organization and bolster the high-quality impact and work done on behalf of its members by the HINJ team.” Said Buteas: “I am excited to join HINJ an effective and well-respected organization with a proud legacy as the voice of New Jersey’s research-based biopharmaceutical and medical technology companies. ... The HINJ team is highly respected, and I look forward to working with them and our member companies to address the industry’s challenges and opportunities to benefit patients and to ensure that we expand our state’s standing as a global life sciences leader where medical innovation can continue to flourish.”

Lalitha Priya Chandrashekhar

Affectionately known as Priya, Chandrashekhar founded PFG MedComm in 2013, with a goal of taking a different approach to market access strategy and challenging conventional agency models. Chandrashekhar brings nearly 20 years of experience and expertise in health care communications working with global teams across various sectors. Under her leadership, PFG MedComm has redefined market access strategy fostering dynamic solutions and connecting companies with their markets. A minority and woman founder of a remote company, a major area of her focus is championing inclusivity extending support to women, minorities, parents, and health care access advocates. Chandrashekhar also has a passion for paying it forward to the next generation. Through her strategic advisory consultancy, PFG Stealth, she works with health care startup founders and serves as a mentor with FemTechLab, a global health tech startup accelerator, working to empower startups and entrepreneurs to navigate the complex health care landscape.

Jason Comer

Comer has been with Hoboken-based Health Recovery Solutions for seven years, beginning in an advisory capacity and working his way up to his most recent position as CEO. He’s also served as the company’s chief financial officer and general counsel, among other roles, according to his LinkedIn profile. A company representative said Comer took on the president title in October 2023 and that Kimberly O’Loughlin served as CEO before that. “As CEO, my core commitment is to consistently prioritize patients in every strategic move we make, actively seeking out and integrating cutting-edge technologies and services that enhance care at home and define new standards of excellence in Remote Patient Monitoring,” Comer said when he was appointed, adding that he envisions “HRS as the pivotal force in digital healthcare transformation.” HRS co-founder and Chairman Jarrett Bauer said, “Jason’s ascent from an advisor role to the CEO of HRS is a narrative of dedication, insight, and leadership. His contributions have been invaluable, and his strategic vision has been a driving force behind our success.” With Comer’s guidance, HRS extended its services to more than 250 health care clients nationwide, including health systems, hospitals, payers, home health agencies, community health centers, physician practices, and hospice and palliative care facilities. This reach has enhanced the lives of more than 600,000 patients by shifting hospital-grade care to the home. According to the company, Comer has helped propel HRS to the top of the industry, earning it the Best in KLAS recognition for Remote Patient Monitoring from 2020 to 2023; the Frost and Sullivan Customer Value Leadership Award for RPM in 2023; and a nomination among Newsweek’s World’s Best Digital Health Companies in 2024.

Jennifer D’Angelo

New Jersey Innovation Institute appointed D’Angelo as chief operating officer and executive vice president, Healthcare in June. As COO, she will help shape the organization and lead strategic growth initiatives, including its goal to surpass $70 million in revenue. As executive vice president, D’Angelo will continue to pursue growth at the Healthcare Division. In addition, she will manage the sustainability of programs along with government relations. The division manages federal and state grant programs focused on improving health care delivery. It also runs the New Jersey Health Information Network on behalf of the New Jersey Department of Health and includes Healthcare Innovation Solutions the Healthcare Division’s for-profit subsidiary which helps thousands of physicians across the country navigate the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Merit-Based Incentive Payment Program. D’Angelo has more than two decades of experience in the health care field, most recently serving as senior vice president and chief information officer at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, where she led cybersecurity, HIPAA security and privacy, information services, clinical informatics and telecommunications. In 2024 she was named as an NJBIZ Health Care Hero in the Public Health category.

Dr. Shailja Dixit

In April, Curio Digital Therapeutics Inc.’s MamaLife Plus which offers a nonpharmaceutical alternative to treating postpartum depression became the first prescription digital therapeutic cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for PPD. The Princeton-based company, which Dixit founded and leads as CEO, said MamaLift is intended for neurobehavioral interventions to patients 22 years or older. Curio said it is an adjunct to clinician-managed outpatient care. The eight-week tool treats mild to moderate postpartum depression by improving a patient’s symptoms, according to the company. “Our goal has always been to provide innovative solutions for women’s health, specifically around the challenges they face with behavioral health,” Dixit said at the time. “MamaLift Plus is the first and only digital solution that can help address the serious unmet need uniquely faced by women who have recently delivered.” Curio develops digital therapeutics to address a range of behavioral health concerns throughout women’s lives. Last year, it secured state funding through the Maternal and Infant Health R&D Seed Grant Program. The company has been honored with several industry awards, including being named the most innovative company by BioNJ and earning a spot on Business Insider’s "companies to watch" list. In addition, Curio won the "venture of the year" title in 2022. Dixit boasts two decades of experience in the health care and life sciences industry, holding senior executive positions at Sano?, Allergan and GE, where she was recognized as the innovator of the year in 2008. She earned master's degrees in informatics and in public health from Columbia University.

John Doll

Doll has held a variety of executive positions at RWJBarnabas Health with responsibilities including corporate finance, decision support and revenue cycle operations. In 2022, he was named to the newly created role of chief operating officer after Mark Manigan took over as CEO from Barry Ostrowski. “The Board and I are confident that Mark and John are the right leaders to take the helm at this crucial time in health care,” Ostrowsky said at the time of the appointment. “We are certain that the highly effective and productive partnership forged by these two executives will continue to propel the advancement of this health care system for decades to come.” As COO, Doll oversees day-to-day operations of the health care system and chairs the strategic planning council of executive leaders across service lines and sectors. In that position, he helps guide high-level executives in sharing best practices and priorities, ensuring that the system’s resources are allocated properly. Doll’s role also includes oversight of the system’s Medical Group, as well as the integration of the Behavioral Health Service Line with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care. Earlier this year, he landed a spot as a Becker’s Hospital Review’s Academic Medical Center/Health System COO to Know for 2024. The list recognizes chief operating officers who lead academic medical centers and health systems and lead operations, expand service lines, allocate resources and more. The honorees are responsible for streamlining operations to improve patient care using research and innovation. Doll belongs to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New Jersey Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association. He holds a bachelor's degree in accounting with a minor in Economics from the University of Delaware.

Darian Eletto

Eletto oversees all aspects of clinical care within Bergen New Bridge Medical Center’s Behavioral & Mental Health Division. In her role as chief clinical officer, Behavioral Health, she oversees all inpatient and outpatient mental health services for the state’s largest hospital. Eletto is a Licensed Professional Counselor who began her career at Bergen New Bridge as an intern. During her tenure, she has worked as a staff clinician in the Acute Partial Hospitalization Program. While in the Partial Program, she created and facilitated the LGBTQ+ Group curriculum for patients in addition to educating staff on providing culturally competent care for their LGBTQ+ consumers. Her work with LGBTQ+ patients allowed her to become the mental health provider for Bergen New Bridge’s LGBTQ+ Health and Wellness center, assisting with the creation and implementation of the Center’s opening and present mental health operations. In her previous role of Wellness Navigation Specialist, she managed BNBMC’s federal Suicide Prevention and Response grant. In that position, she identified patients experiencing mental health crises and in need of care coordination within the hospital as well as in the community; facilitates care; and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ensure that patients are support during this critical time in their treatment. As chief clinical officer of behavioral health services, Eletto is responsible for 14 inpatient psychiatric units of various levels of acuity treating patients aged 5 and up, the Center for Eating Disorders and Body Positivity, the Acute Partial Hospitalization Program, Outpatient Behavioral Health Department, and the Hope and Resiliency Center for Youth. Eletto was previously director of outpatient services where she was a key architect of both the Hope & Resiliency Center for Youthan Intensive Outpatient Program that serves at-risk teens ages 13-17 and the Center for Eating Disorders and Body Positivity. The program includes a specialized track for Body Neutrality and Positivity, focused on early intervention of poor body image and improved skills on self-esteem building.

Stephanie Johnson

Although hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are legal at the federal level and in New Jersey, there’s still a lot of confusion over how they differ from marijuana and are often perceived as recreational drugs. Since founding To Hemp With It, a Bayonne-based premium CBD and hemp wellness brand three years ago, Johnson has been determined to set the record straight about all those myths and misconceptions. After witnessing how CBD improved the lives of her loved ones, Johnson was inspired to raise awareness of it as a non-habit forming, non-psychoactive treatment people can use to manage certain conditions, like anxiety and insomnia. In addition to an e-commerce platform and physical retail space at two shops in Bayonne, Johnson is a regular vendor at community events, like farmers markets and festivals. She has conducted presentations before local groups, such as the Rotary Club of Bayonne, and helped host unique events, like a health & wellness Bingo Night. At To Hemp With It, Johnson focuses on consumers who “need extra support and want the benefits of cannabis without the head high.” She also wants them to feel confident that they are buying quality products that are safe and reliable. Her offerings which include gummies, soft gels, topicals, hemp flower, tinctures and CBD for pets are grown organically by a manufacturer in Colorado. To Hemp With It products also come with detailed third-party lab testing information that is readily available to consumers. This isn’t Johnson’s first venture. She also has her own loan signing agent business, L.I.G. Mobile Business Services Inc. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Johnson spent 18 years at Verizon, where she held several associate and management positions.

Rhonda Jordan

As executive vice president and chief human resources officer at Virtua Health, Jordan serves as strategic and operational leader for South Jersey’s largest health care network. Through her position, Jordan is responsible for developing and executing all aspects of talent management, organizational culture, change & development, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits. She’s also considered a leader in supporting diversity, inclusion and equity at Virtua on behalf of its patients, community and staff. In 2019, following the acquisition of Lourdes Health System, Jordan led the introduction of a renewed culture and the launch of a more in-depth and comprehensive inclusion, diversity and equity initiative. Her work isn’t going unnoticed Jordan will receive the New Jersey Hospital Association’s Diversity & Inclusion award at the organization’s Best at The Beach ceremony this year. Virtua Health was also recognized as a Workplace Wellness Hero as part of NJBIZ’s 2024 Health Care Heroes awards. Jordan joined Virtua Health in 1997 when it was known as West Jersey Health System as director of human resources. From there, she rose up the ranks to be named to her current post in 2021. She’s also an advocate of women in leadership and often serves as a panelist for organizations and industry conferences, including for Junior Achievement and Rutgers University.

Milan Kalawadia

After nearly 20 years with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Kalawadia was named in May as chief executive officer of the global pharmaceutical company’s U.S. base in Princeton. Since joining Dr. Reddy’s as a senior finance manager in 2006, he has held various positions of increasing responsibility. Most recently Kalawadia served as chief commercial officer. Based in Hyderabad, India, Dr. Reddy’s aims to provide access to affordable and innovative medicines in the therapeutic areas of oncology, dermatology, pain management, diabetology, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal. A 2023 NJBIZ Best Places to Work honoree, the company’s portfolio includes APIs, generics, branded generics, OTC and biosimilars. Dr. Reddy’s credits Kalawadia with developing strategies for the Biosimilars and Self-Care & Wellness business units in the U.S. He additionally played a key role in moves such as the acquisition of OTC brands; the development of the company’s e-commerce presence on Amazon; and engaging with alternate channel partners. Erez Israeli, Dr. Reddy’s chief executive officer, said Kalawadia’s efforts as chief commercial officer helped drive North America to three consecutive years of growth over the $1 billion revenue threshold and record sales in fiscal year 2024. “His track record and deep understanding of the industry, coupled with his passion for innovation and customer-centric approach, make him the ideal candidate to lead the North America business unit into its next chapter of success,” Israeli said. Commenting on his new role, Kalawadia said, “I am excited to start this next chapter in my journey at Dr. Reddy’s. I have been fortunate to be a part of a remarkable team that has achieved significant milestones over that last 18 years. I now look forward to leveraging the relationships I have built over my years within the organization, as well as the industry connections I have made to continue to lead the North America division to new heights.”

Duda Kertesz

A longtime Johnson & Johnson executive, Kertesz was appointed in June as CEO of Bridgewater-headquartered skin health company Advantice Health. Bringing decades of consumer goods experience to the role, Kertesz most recently served as president, U.S. Skin Health & Beauty, for New Brunswick-based J&J. There, she led the $3.5 billion portfolio of skincare, haircare and baby brands including Neutrogena, Aveeno and OGX. Her 25-year tenure at J&J included various other leadership roles, such as president of U.S. oral, wound and baby care and president of the Johnson & Johnson consumer business in Brazil. Commenting on her new position, Kertesz said, "I am honored and energized to join Advantice Health at this pivotal juncture. With its powerful brands addressing critical consumer needs, coupled with an exceptional team, Advantice has a remarkable runway for growth.” Kertesz went on to say she looks forward to working with Advantice’s board and entire organization “to unlock new opportunities, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding results." Founded in 2019 as a portfolio company of TA Associates, Advantice Health develops and markets premium, physician-recommended therapeutic health & wellness brands. Its brands which include AmLactin, Kerasal, Triple Paste, Dermoplast, New Skin and Emtrix can be found in over 50,000 retail locations and online. Gary Downing, Advantice chair, said Kertesz’s track record “of turning vision into action, empowering high-performance teams, and challenging the status quo makes her the ideal leader to accelerate our growth trajectory.” He also said he believes the company’s top brands of AmLactin, Kerasal and Triple Paste are poised for “tremendous expansion” under her leadership.

Thomas Kloos

Since 2016, Kloos has served as president of Atlantic Health System’s Accountable Care Organization. He’s also executive director of the Atlantic Management Services Organization, which provides management services to the network’s three accountable care organizations. In those roles, Kloos manages a network that delivers care to 500,000 attributed lives. He is also focused on continuing to provide improved quality and a more positive patient experience through his work with Atlantic Health System’s ACOs. During his decades-long career in health care, Kloos has prioritized innovating and advancing models of care that make and keep patients healthy. At Atlantic Health System, he was instrumental in establishing Atlantic Alliance, a clinically integrated network of more than 2,500 providers. Through the alliance, providers receive guidance and resources on how to improve care and reduce cost within value and risk-based reimbursement arrangements. Kloos is also considered a national voice in the formation and operation of ACOs. Besides serving as chair on the National Association of Accountable Care Organization’s board of directors, Kloos is a regular speaker and contributor to the group. Before Atlantic Health System, Kloos, a board-certified internal medicine practitioner in Warren, was past president of Optimus Healthcare Partners ACO and Vista Health System IPA. He was also a trustee and past board vice president of the Affiliated Physicians and Employers Health Plan, a self-funded MEWA plan in NJ. In July, he’ll receive the Changemaker Award during New Jersey Hospital Association’s 2024 Best at the Beach event.

Kara Kushnir

As the founder and clinical director of A Work of Heart Counseling, Kushnir offers specialized therapy for children, teens and adults focusing on anxiety, trauma, depression, OCD and perinatal mental health. Kushnir and her team of therapists provide in-person counseling services in Allendale and Oradell, as well as telehealth services for those in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and South Carolina. The practice which was named as a Mental Health Hero as part of NJBIZ’s 2024 Health Care Heroes awards began as a part-time business. During the pandemic, a then-pregnant Kushnir decided to leave her position as a school social worker and evolve A Work of Heart into a full-time pursuit. Kushnir is also working on a children’s book to inspire new mothers to trust themselves and notice how their baby views them instead of listening to the scary or hard thoughts new parents often struggle with. Additionally, Kushnir is involved with several professional organizations that value women’s health and leadership, including Postpartum Support International New Jersey chapter, the National Association of Social Workers, and the International OCD Foundation. She is also an adjunct professor at Montclair State University.

Jose Lozano

As executive vice president and chief growth officer at the state’s largest health network, Hackensack Meridian Health, Lozano leads all strategic partnerships, marketing, communications and transformation for a system made up of 18 hospitals, 500 patient care locations and 36,000 team members. Lozano also manages the facilities and real estate portfolio for HMH, which now has more projects underway than ever before. Currently, the Edison-based network has two dozen health and wellness centers in various stages of construction, including a 60,000 square-foot facility at NJ Transit’s Metropark station in Woodbridge and an 80,000-square-foot ambulatory care center at the ON3 campus in Clifton. Before joining the leadership team at HMH in 2022, Lozano was president and chief executive officer at Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading not-for-profit organization facilitating economic growth throughout the state. During his tenure, Choose New Jersey expanded its operations to Europe and India, managed a $10 million business marketing initiative on behalf of the state, and helped recruit and retain tens of thousands of local jobs, generating billons of dollars in new investment. Before leading Choose New Jersey in 2018, Lozano spent five years at HMH as chief of staff and vice president for corporate services and governance. There, he was put in charge of communications and rollout of the 2016 merger between Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health, one of the largest mergers in New Jersey. Lozano has received numerous accolades, including NJBIZ’s Forty Under 40 and Becker’s Hospital Review’s 60 National Rising Stars Under 40. In June, the Stockton University alumnus was honored as a Latino Trailblazer by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey for his contributions in both the business and political communities. Lozano’s resume includes a 10-year run in state and federal government. Those positions include serving in the Obama administration as deputy chief of staff and homeland security advisor at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, executive director of the 2017 transition for Gov. Phil Murphy, director of external affairs at the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness, director of operations for Gov. Jon Corzine, and a member of the transition staff for President Barack Obama and Vice Joe President Biden.

Manisha Parulekar

As division chief, Geriatrics, at Hackensack University Medical Center as well as program director for the geriatrics fellowship at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Parulekar’s work strikes a chord as the nation ages. According to American Geriatrics Society, 30,000 geriatricians will be needed by 2030 to care for about 21 million older Americans. In New Jersey, AGS projects 557 geriatricians will need to be trained by that same year. Board-certified in geriatrics, internal medicine and hospice and palliative care, Parulekar says her goal is to help adults age successfully. That includes a focus on longevity as well as maximizing independence and quality of life. Her research interests include brain health and memory loss, such as dementia care; prevention and early diagnosis of dementia; delirium; caregiver support and the impact of social determinants of health impact to accessing health care. Parulekar’s remarks on the topics can also be found in both local and national media outlets and she is a featured speaker at panel discussions and events. At HMH, she is leading an age-friendly health initiative to improve care for older adults. In June, the Center for Healthy Senior Living launched a Lifestyle and Frailty Program. “Our new program will allow us to identify areas of concern, deliver comprehensive and patient-centered care from a dedicated team of experts, and connect seniors and their families with resources and support,” Parulekar said when the effort was announced.

Kash Patel

As Hackensack Meridian Health gets serious about integrating artificial intelligence into its work, Patel is at the forefront as executive vice president and chief digital and innovation officer. In fact, Becker’s Hospital Review included him as one of 46 CDOs to know in 2024. His work overseeing digital transformation at HMH aims to drive improved experiences for patients and to provide education. And it’s an industry-leading effort. Patel led the system in becoming the first to deploy EPIC on Google Cloud Platform. His team was also among the first in the industry to adopt Google Workspace, according to HMH. That’s made it a leader among peers, as well as a resource, fielding inquiries from other health systems worldwide about the process. Under Patel’s guidance, the provider has developed an integrated system of data, insights and intelligence. The effects are far-reaching, extending to operational, clinical, and research and academic applications and benefits. Beyond patients, HMH team members also benefit from the data-rich environment Patel is helping to carefully usher in. When it comes to AI and its implementation, the work is intentionally collaborative. “We have these sort of gate reviews, where it goes from ideation to where does it make sense? ... So, everybody in the room has an opportunity to have a conversation about it," Patel explained during an NJBIZ panel discussion. “We’re learning all the time, so we might speak to a partner about it or another health system, too We have really [been] deliberate and methodical about how we’re rolling it out.”

Vanessa Rissetto

Under Rissetto’s leadership, the company she co-founded and currently leads as CEO has raised $13 million in venture funding. Based in Hoboken, Culina Health is a virtual nutrition care platform that aims to make clinical nutrition more accessible and sustainable. Only 0.2% of the U.S. population has ever seen a registered dietician. The efforts of Rissetto and Culina to expand that figure were recognized recently when she was named as a 2024 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year finalist for New Jersey. The registered dietician also regularly offers her expertise in various media outlets maybe you’ve seen her on “The Today Show” or read her in The New York Times, Bon Appetit, Vogue and others on topics ranging from best foods for special diets to tools for small businesses and how her company aims to break down socioeconomic barriers to the kinds of services it provides. Before Culina, Rissetto served as director of dietetic internships at New York University. There, she led the clinical nutrition treatment for a diverse patient population and mentored early-career dietitians many of whom now work at Culina Health. To date, the company has served more than 9,000 patients and boasts a nationwide referral network of over 750 physicians.

Dr. Gian Varbaro

Varbaro is chief medical officer and vice president of ambulatory services for the state’s largest hospital, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. In his work he supports the hospital’s main service lines as well as its ambulatory services. Last year, Becker’s Hospital Review named Varbaro to its Chief Medical Officers to Know List. At the time, BNBMC President and CEO Deborah Visconi described Varbaro’s work as “critical” to the hospital’s mission and commitment. Meanwhile, the publication commended his expertise "in creating clinical operations, systems, and business models that will enhance quality.” Varbaro also took home a Courage award at CarePlus NJ Inc.’s 25th Annual Courage Awards Gala in 2023. In addition to upholding a theme of “Embracing the Difference,” he was recognized for a passionate and professional commitment to providing excellent care, health education and awareness to the community. That work is on display in the media too, where Varbaro can be found offering expert insights on topics ranging from COVID-19 all the way to the health risks of Flaming Hot Cheetos. Varbaro’s work also extends to helping educate the next generation of professionals: He has been an assistant professor at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School since January 2018. Additionally, Varbaro acts as chief medical advisor to Bergen County and is the medical director for all public health programs. He is also a trustee for the Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative Board.

John Vazquez

Vazquez joined Cooper University Health Care as chief legal officer this spring following a stint at CSG Law as a member of its Litigation and White Collar Defense & Investigations groups. Before that, he served as a U.S. District Judge for the District of New Jersey from 2016-2023 as an appointee of President Barack Obama. That experience helps inform Vazquez’s strategic approach today. He is the first person to hold the chief legal officer role at Cooper and not coincidentally he joins at a time of unprecedented growth. The academic health care system recently closed a merger with Cape Regional Health System and opened the first phase of a $150 million outpatient facility at Moorestown Mall. There is also a $2 billion expansion plan in the works at Cooper’s Camden campus. According to the system, it supports nearly 11,000 team members. Its facilities include two hospitals with more than 900 licensed beds, 130-plus ambulatory care locations and more. Annually, Cooper said it boasts revenues exceeding $2.24 billion. Upon his hiring, co-CEO Kevin O’Dowd described Vazquez as a “thoughtful and talented lawyer who will bring his considerable experience to bear on important and expanding corporate governance, risk management, and compliance issues we face.” Prior to assuming the bench, Vazquez he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey from 2001-2006.

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