Michael Charlton, a longtime AtlantiCare board member and local business owner who has been serving as interim CEO of the health system since June 1, is being given the permanent role, it was announced Tuesday.
In this role, Charlton will be responsible for AtlantiCare’s operations, development and strategic growth, leading a team of more than 6,500 individuals in serving the community in five southeastern New Jersey counties.
Charlton, a successful local business owner with strong ties to the community, served as a member of the AtlantiCare board of directors for more than 14 years, with six years as board chair, an experience that inspired him to take on national health care leadership roles.
“Michael is a proven, purpose-driven and visionary leader who knows AtlantiCare, our team, the communities we serve and the dynamic health care landscape,” current Chair David Goddard said.
“He excels at fostering collaboration and innovation to drive transformative change, and advocating for policies and programs that address the health care and societal issues impacting our patients and caregivers. Michael is the ideal leader to guide AtlantiCare through this challenging, ever-evolving new age of health care.”
Charlton said he was humbled and privileged to be selected.
“AtlantiCare carries a 125-year-old legacy of distinction in the quality of care that we provide, and I firmly believe that we are positioned for great achievements,” he said. “I was born here, my roots are here, and my goal is to honor that legacy by prioritizing patient-centered care and working tirelessly with our team to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of our community.”
Charlton has solid, diverse experience in business and health care leadership.
While leading a successful local business, he served as chair of the organization’s system board from 2017 through early 2023 and was a member of the AtlantiCare Regional Health Services board from 2009 through 2016. He was also a member of the board of trustees of the American Hospital Association, and still serves on a national committee that is focused on the health care workforce.
Charlton has a B.S. in health care administration and organizational leadership from the University of Louisville, and a master’s in health care leadership from Brown University.
