Raymond Brandes will join the New Jersey Hospital Association in the newly created role of chief operating officer, the organization announced Tuesday.
The group also announced Christopher Bailey will be the new chief financial officer.
Brandes will oversee the association’s daily operations, including responsibility for administration, communications, facilities, information technology and NJHA Healthcare Business Solutions. He will report to CEO Cathy Bennett.
Both men bring a wealth of health care and policy experience.
Brandes, of Warren Township, comes to NJHA from University Hospital in Newark, where he served as vice president of public affairs, population health and strategic planning. Prior to that, he served as deputy chief of staff under Gov. Chris Christie, with responsibility for overseeing New Jersey’s state budget. Brandes earned his undergraduate and law degree from Rutgers University, and served a clerkship for the Supreme Court of New Jersey.
“It is an honor to be a part of this important organization, especially at this critical time as we focus on the road back from COVID-19,” he said. “I look forward to providing the high level of service that our members expect from NJHA, and working to improve the health of all New Jersey citizens.”
Bailey, a Haddonfield resident, most recently served as assistant vice president of the Rutgers Financial Management unit at RWJBarnabas Health, where he was responsible for managing the health system’s investment in its academic, research and clinical enterprises. He also served as assistant vice president of financial planning and budgeting at Rutgers University.
From 2008-18, Bailey served in the New Jersey Department of Human Services under three different governors, first as the chief financial officer, and then in the dual role of CFO and COO.
Bailey earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s in finance from LaSalle University. He succeeds longtime CFO Dave Lavins, who retired in December.
“NJHA has a sacred obligation, not just to our members but to all of New Jersey,” Bailey said. “I am honored to serve in this capacity and ensure that the association is positioned to invest in the future and provide excellent value to our members.”
Bennett said both men will be a benefit to the NJHA, which has nearly 400 members, including hospitals, health systems and post-acute care providers.
“Both NJHA and its members are focused on the road ahead from COVID-19,” she said. “The pandemic will redefine the future of health care, and that will demand vision, innovation and resiliency. NJHA is fortunate to have leaders like Ray and Chris join us at such a pivotal time for NJHA, our members and New Jersey’s health care consumers.”
