Stephanie Schwartz is well-known in the health care sector for her leadership and management skills — it’s how she helped Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains be rated as the top midsize hospital in the state during her time as president.
She also is known for her trademark walking shoes. It’s how she has helped ingratiate herself at Overlook Medical Center in Summit, where she has been serving as interim president since the retirement of longtime head Alan Leiber this summer.
Atlantic Health System CEO Brian Gragnolati said Schwartz was able to hit the ground running with her personality, working closely with the leadership team, as well as becoming frequently present among frontline team members throughout the hospital.
“Stephanie has wasted no time integrating herself deeply into the fabric of Overlook’s culture, and she has truly embraced its team,” he said. “She is an accomplished health care leader who takes a collaborative approach guided by a passion for high-quality, patient-centered care. We are looking forward to her bringing these qualities to bear as she guides Overlook’s continued rise as a premier destination for care.”
On Thursday, Atlantic Health announced it was removing the interim title, making Schwartz the new president of Overlook.
Schwartz said she was honored to assume the role.
“Overlook Medical Center truly stands out, not only within Atlantic Health System, but throughout New Jersey, as a paragon of excellence — from its use of cutting-edge technology to the innovative approaches taken to medical care, to the outstanding outcomes driven by a team that always makes the needs of the patient top priority,” she said. “I’m excited and honored to fully join the Overlook family and, as a president, contribute to its continued excellence.”
Overlook, a founding member of Atlantic Health, has arisen as a leader in care and innovation throughout the years. It has become a powerhouse for neuroscience care, performing more brain tumor surgeries than any other hospital in New Jersey, and is home to the first state-designated Comprehensive Stroke Center.
For two years in a row, Overlook has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades, and among one of the World’s Best Hospitals by Newsweek for three years in a row. Overlook has been named a Best Hospital in New Jersey and the New York Metro Area by U.S. News & World Report. Its emergency departments in Summit and Union have been recognized by the Emergency Nurses Association with its Lantern Award.
Schwartz joins Overlook at a critical time, amid the hospital’s ongoing plan to transform and optimize units throughout the facility to enhance care. Earlier this year, the hospital marked the completion of the new entrance to the Bouras Emergency Department, as well as a new employee parking garage. The new Hersh Children’s Center at Overlook is set to open in the coming weeks.
“We have been honored to have Stephanie lead Overlook, and are excited to have her at the helm of the hospital as Overlook embarks on this new chapter,” said Clelia Biamonti, executive director of Overlook Foundation, which is funding a significant portion of the transformation plan.
Schwartz’s background shows she is ready for the challenge.
Schwartz joined Atlantic Health in 2016 as president of Chilton. Through her steadfast leadership, Chilton has continued to thrive, including being named No. 1 midsize hospital in New Jersey by Castle Connolly for the past six years and a high-performing hospital in multiple specialties by U.S. News & World Report.
Under Schwartz’s leadership, Chilton saw numerous achievements, including the renovation of its ICU, the development of a progressive care nursing unit contiguous to the ICU, a modernization project for the emergency department, a renovated lobby and access center and the opening of the Children’s Center, an innovative and dedicated center that combines both pediatric emergency services and inpatient hospital care in one, family-friendly facility.
She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland. She earned her Master of Science, health services administration, from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Before coming to Atlantic Health System, she served in administrative and leadership roles at Southern Ocean County Hospital in Manahawkin and Community Medical Center in Toms River. Prior to coming to New Jersey, she also served in leadership roles at hospitals in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
And, everywhere she has been, she has been on the move.
Dr. Jack Audett, chief medical officer at Overlook, said he has seen it firsthand.
“For nearly four months, Stephanie has been front and center with our team, learning every facet of the care we provide and taking to heart the aspects of Overlook that make it special,” he said. “That level of engagement will be a great motivator for everyone at Overlook.”
