RWJBarnabas Health Welcomes Dr. Susan Reinhard as Chair of the Board of Trustees

RWJBarnabas Health has made a significant move by appointing Dr. Susan C. Reinhard as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2025. This appointment is historic, as Dr. Reinhard becomes the first nurse and the first woman to hold this esteemed position within the organization. Having been a founding member of the Board since 2016, Dr. Reinhard's extensive experience and commitment to health care are invaluable as she steps into this leadership role.

Dr. Reinhard’s professional journey encompasses a plethora of notable positions and achievements. She served as the Vice Chair of the Board since 2022, and previously led the Quality and Safety Committee, along with being actively involved in various other committees, including Compliance, Strategic Planning, and Academic Affairs. Her dedication to the health field is also evidenced by her role on the Board of Directors for Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital since 2013, where she contributed to the Finance, Strategic Planning, and Quality committees.

As a prominent scholar in health and long-term care policy, Dr. Reinhard has dedicated her career to advancing policy changes that improve patient care. Her impactful research and executive experience shine through her previous role as Senior Vice President and Director of the AARP Public Policy Institute, where she directed the focus on policy research and analysis regarding health, long-term care, and economic issues at both national and international levels. Furthermore, Dr. Reinhard has been a Visiting Professor for the prestigious Betty Irene Moore Fellowship at the University of California, Davis, thus perpetuating her influence on upcoming leaders in nursing.

Dr. Reinhard’s commitment to service is evident in her engagement with numerous boards, including the National Alliance for Caregiving and the National Academy for State Health Policy. Her educational credentials, including a PhD from Rutgers University and an MSN from the University of Cincinnati, complement her impressive expertise in health care.

The organization's President and CEO, Mark E. Manigan, expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Reinhard’s appointment, acknowledging her vast experience as a tremendous asset that will contribute to the growth and development of RWJBarnabas Health’s mission to enhance community health across New Jersey.

In her acceptance, Dr. Reinhard conveyed her deep sense of honor in serving as the Chair of the largest academic health system in New Jersey. She emphasized her commitment to collaborating with fellow trustees to further enhance and innovate the healthcare landscape not only within New Jersey but extending beyond state borders.

Dr. Reinhard succeeds Lester J. Owens, who has held the role of Chair since 2022 and has made substantial contributions during a challenging period marked by the pandemic’s consequences. Mr. Owens has been a pivotal figure, focusing on improving quality scores, patient outcomes, and employee engagement amidst a landscape of transformation.

James S. Vaccaro will take on the role of Vice Chair. Mr. Vaccaro, with a wealth of experience in finance and senior living operations, is respected within the banking profession and continues to play a crucial role in advancing RWJBarnabas Health's financial and operational strategies.

RWJBarnabas Health stands tall as New Jersey's largest and most comprehensive academic health system, annually caring for over five million residents. By integrating 14 hospitals and a network of over 9,000 affiliated physicians, it provides quality and safety-focused healthcare services across more than 700 locations. The organization's commitment to serving diverse communities shapes its approach to building sustainable health solutions that are equitable and compassionate, addressing social determinants of health and enhancing access to care.

The transformative partnership between RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers University is noteworthy, fostering a holistic approach to patient-centered care, which includes the Rutgers Cancer Institute, New Jersey’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The organization also plays a significant role as the state’s largest safety-net provider, addressing health inequalities and championing the well-being of its most vulnerable populations.

As RWJBarnabas Health embarks on this new chapter under the leadership of Dr. Susan Reinhard, the organization is poised to continue driving improvements in health care delivery, focusing on innovation while solidifying its role as a community pillar. The future looks bright as they advance their mission to create healthier communities across New Jersey and beyond.

Topics Health)

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