Catholic Health East: Latest News

Catholic Health East Names Judith M. Persichilli, R.N., B.S.N., M.A.,
as Chief Operating Officer and CEO Designate

December 09, 2009

Judith M. Persichilli, R.N., B.S.N., M.A.,
as Chief Operating Officer and CEO Designate

Catholic Health East today announced the appointment of Judith M. Persichilli, R.N., B.S.N., M.A., as the new executive vice president and chief operating officer, and CEO “designate,” effective immediately.

This decision was the culmination of a months-long, nationwide search led by the CHE board of directors search committee with the involvement of other board members, Sponsors and system-wide leaders.

“While several excellent external candidates emerged and were carefully vetted, in the end the decision was made that the very best candidate was already part of the CHE family,” said Jacquelyn Kinder, Ed.D., chairperson, CHE board of directors. “Judy’s background and expertise as a clinician and executive in Catholic health care, together with her years of experience as part of CHE’s senior management team, make her ideally suited to lead Catholic Health East into the future.”

“Judy has a great appreciation for the challenges that face our congregations and our health system,” said Sr. Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., coordinator of the CHE Sponsors Council. “I have worked closely with Judy over the years and I am confident that she has the vision, experience and expertise to become the next leader of Catholic Health East.”

Persichilli came to CHE in 2003 as executive vice president of the system’s Mid-Atlantic Division, and was promoted to executive vice president of acute care in 2008. Before that, she served for eight years as CEO at CHE-affiliate St. Francis Medical Center, Trenton, N.J. Prior to that, Persichilli served in progressively responsible leadership positions at St. Francis as well as at St. Peter’s Medical Center in New Brunswick, N.J. Before embarking on her career in health care administration, she worked for several years as a staff nurse and then in nursing administration at St. Francis.

“Judy Persichilli has devoted her professional career to the Catholic health care ministry,” said Robert V. Stanek, CHE president and chief executive officer, CHE. Stanek, who earlier this year announced his decision to retire, is confident that Persichilli is the right choice as his eventual successor. “Judy and I will work side-by-side to ensure a smooth and orderly transition into the position of CEO by the end of 2010.”

Persichilli received her nursing diploma from the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, a bachelor of science in nursing from Rutgers University, a master of arts in administration from Rider College, and an honorary doctor of health degree from Georgian Court University. She is a member of the American Nurses Association and the New Jersey State Nurses Association; and in 2006, she was inducted into the New Jersey State Nurses Association Hall of Honor.

Catholic Health East (CHE) is a multi-institutional Catholic health system, which is co-sponsored by nine religious congregations, and Hope Ministries, a Public Juridic Person within Catholic Health East. The System’s health ministries are located in 11 eastern states from Maine to Florida and includes: 34 acute care hospitals (including Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine), four long-term acute care hospitals, 25 freestanding and hospital-based long-term care facilities, 14 assisted-living facilities, four continuing care retirement communities, eight behavioral health and rehabilitation facilities, 32 home health/hospice agencies, and numerous ambulatory and community-based health agencies. Catholic Health East facilities employ more than 54,000 full-time employees.

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