University Hospital announced Thursday that its state-appointed monitor, Judy Persichilli, will serve as acting CEO and president.
The decision was made by the board of directors as the Newark institution launches a strategic planning process.
“Over the last several months, we have worked alongside Judy as she prepared her report for charting a new path at University Hospital. During that time, it became clear that she is the optimal leader to begin implementing these recommendations,” said Tanya Freeman, University Hospital board chair, in the hospital’s statement.
“University Hospital is a vital public institution, and we are confident that Judy will lead the organization in this new role toward delivering on its promise of access to high quality care for the city of Newark and surrounding communities.”
Persichilli said she has so far been impressed with the dedication of employees at the hospital.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the entire team and the board on the journey to becoming a high-reliability organization with a unified focus on quality and safety, and to identifying a leader who can work with the community to maximize University Hospital’s potential as both an important public institution and a world-class academic medical center,” she said.
University Hospital announced last week that CEO and President John Kastanis is leaving to return to his consulting practice.
