Judith M. Persichilli was confirmed by the state Senate as the commissioner of the Department of Health on Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy announced.
Persichilli was picked by Murphy last summer to succeed Shereef Elnahal, who became CEO of University Hospital in Newark — the role Persichilli had held on an interim basis. Her nomination was announced in June and she has served as acting commissioner since August.
She is the first registered nurse to hold the commissioner’s job, the Governor’s Office noted in a news release.
Marcus O. Hicks was also confirmed by the Senate, as commissioner of the Department of Corrections. He was appointed acting commissioner in May 2018.
“I am thrilled to have two outstanding partners in Marcus and Judy who are leading critical departments within our administration,” Murphy said in a prepared statement. “These individuals are highly respected members of their fields and have remarkable records of proven success. I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure a stronger and fairer New Jersey for all.”
