The NJBIZ “watch” lists are designed to identify individuals who contribute greatly to the success of their organizations – and, in the case of health care, to the well-being of the state – but have yet to earn wide recognition for their efforts.

Some, like Shlomi Madar and Vincent Mileto, are entrepreneurs with fascinating ideas.

Madar runs SpotitEarly, a company dedicated to making early detection of cancer more widely available by using artificial intelligence to harness the well-known olfactory powers of dogs. And Mileto invented a new way to deliver medicines orally – with a quick dissolving tablet that will be life-changing for patients who have difficulty swallowing normal tablets.

Both were featured at the most recent BioNJ BioPartnering Conference, which is a great place to meet people worth watching.

Many other honorees are all well-known and respected by their colleagues, their peers and in many cases their patients. The work they do, sometimes behind the scenes or away from the public eye, is critical to advancing the industry and its various professions. And the folks on this list do that work at an exceedingly high level.

Some have received awards and honors from professional or trade organizations – and those tributes are well-deserved. But the general public – including most of the business community – remains unaware of that sort of recognition, coming as it does from programs aimed at a niche audience. This list and others like it represent an attempt to shine a brighter spotlight on the work that led to those honors. Or at least a spotlight visible to a wider public.

In all likelihood, readers will see some of these names in future NJBIZ issues – perhaps in Power lists or among the ranks of our award winners. In fact, if all goes well, many more accolades will follow for these individuals.

So, as you read the profiles, think about the people you work with every day – or even on rare but critical occasions – and let us know about them. And tell us how you think we did with this list, which presents the honorees in alphabetical order.

– Jeffrey Kanige

Methodology

The Power and Watch Lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers. The staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service. To recommend an individual for inclusion on one of the lists, click here.

2025 People to Watch in Health Care

Jim Andrews

President and CEO | Deborah Heart and Lung Center

Andrews was appointed president and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center in September, bringing over 20 years of health care leadership experience to the role. Known for driving strategic growth and championing patient-centered innovation, Andrews steps into the position with a clear vision for the future. “Jim is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of health care and a commitment to patient-centered care,” said Barbara George Johnson, chair of the board of trustees, in the Sept. 9 announcement. “Deborah has a storied history of excellence in cardiovascular and pulmonary care, and I am committed to leading this incredible institution into its next chapter of growth and innovation,” said Andrews. One of his first major milestones came in May, when Deborah celebrated the opening of The Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion. The new facility marks a significant achievement in Phase 1 of Deborah 100: The Project – a multiphase, $100 million campus expansion. “We are thrilled to open the doors to The Olsen Family Patient Care Pavilion, which represents the culmination of years of hard rock and philanthropic,” said Andrews. “This new facility not only allows us to expand services and advance patient care, but it also reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in health care.”

 

Bill Arnold

CEO, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital | EVP of the Southern Region, RWJBarnabas Health

“Bill Arnold is our version of rock-and-roll legend James Brown,” DEVCO President Christopher Paladino, an RWJ University Hospital board member, said during the ribbon cutting for the new Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in May. “He is the hardest working man in health care. In addition to serving as CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, he serves as the executive vice president of the Southern Region for RWJBarnabas Health.” And it is a critical time for the health system, with that recent opening of the Morris Center. The project is the cornerstone of a broader $1.5 billion statewide oncology initiative for RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute — an effort in which Arnold plays a critical role. “Within just a few months, we’ll connect from Livingston – the Melchiorre Outpatient Cancer Facility,” said Arnold during that same May event in New Brunswick. “And then a few months after that, we’ll connect the Vogel Cancer Center from Tinton Falls. And this is the hub of New Jersey – where all these projects will lead. And being the only freestanding cancer hospital in the state, and then having those facilities scattered throughout the state – is simply amazing. There’s no one who can match this. Talk about keeping cancer close to home. We can definitely do that going forward.”

 

Kalindi Bakshi

Division head of life sciences and food innovation | Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement

Bakshi serves as the division head of life sciences and food innovation at the Middlesex County Office of Business Engagement. In this role, she brings a unique entrepreneurial perspective – having founded Plantology Fuel and Phirki NYC, which focused on delivering health-forward, plant-based prepared meals. She applies her skills and experience to lead targeted initiatives in business attraction and the retention pipeline across Middlesex County – partnering with key stakeholders and industry leaders to establish strategic relationships, streamline resources and support a thriving local economy. These efforts span sectors such as life sciences, food innovation and more. Middlesex County is also using its network to give back to the community. “Food security is a core part of the community, which is addressed through the REPLENISH food pantry program that, to date, has delivered over 502 million pounds of food,” said Bakshi, noting other initiatives that include harvest donation programs, food waste reduction partnerships, and the Women in Food Tech conference in collaboration with Middlesex College. That event focuses in part on improving food security. Her expertise and approach – combining economic and innovation with social impact – is positioning Middlesex County as a model for what a modern health-focused economy can look like.

 

Kaitlan Baston

Interim CEO | University Hospital

Baston stepped down as the New Jersey health commissioner this spring to serve as interim CEO at University Hospital in Newark. She succeeded president and CEO Ed Jimenez to facilitate a smooth transition as the University Hospital Board of Directors searches for a permanent replacement. “Having worked in health care for my entire career, I understand firsthand the importance of clear and effective leadership in building trust internally and in the community,” said Baston in an April news release. “I look forward to building upon Ed’s work to expand access to innovative care, advance the master plan, and support our staff.” Added Gov. Phil Murphy: “As Commissioner, she has done a tremendous job leading the New Jersey Department of Health. I am confident that Dr. Baston will be an exceptional interim CEO of University Hospital.” Earlier this month, University Hospital (in partnership with Rutgers Health) launched the first phase of a major redevelopment of its Newark health campus. “This is the first essential step in expanding the hospital building and signals the launch of a modern, leading-edge facility for the people of Newark and the entire region,” said Baston. “University Hospital has heard from the community for years about its desires for this re-envisioned campus through our brick-by-brick campaign – and is finally turning that vision into reality.”

 

Dr. Peter Blumenthal

President | Medical Society of New Jersey

Blumenthal was installed in April as the 233rd president of the Medical Society of New Jersey. A senior occupational medicine physician, Blumenthal brings a wealth of expertise and experience in pharmacology, toxicology and trauma care to the role. He has been a member of MSNJ since 1978 and a member of its board of trustees since 2016. “We are excited to welcome Dr. Blumenthal as our incoming President for the 2025-2026 term,” said Larry Downs, CEO of MSNJ. “Dr. Blumenthal brings a keen eye toward critical public health issues and a fresh perspective that will benefit our members and the broader medical community. His dedication to evolving the practice of medicine and advocating for physicians is unwavering.” During his inaugural address in April, Blumenthal laid out several principles he said will guide his presidency, including creating more elbow room for physicians; fair payment for services; reform that puts clinicians first; and a more medically literate public. “Enhancing patient understanding is a personal mission of mine. In my office, pamphlets and visual aids help build that bridge,” said Blumenthal. He noted that an educated patient is the best partner for physicians. “I believe deeply in the ‘partners in recovery’ model. When patients understand their conditions and treatments, they become collaborators in their own care.”

 

Eric Carey

Vice president and chief information officer | Valley Health System

As vice president and chief information officer for Valley Health System, Carey is responsible for the information systems and telecommunications services across the health system, which includes The Valley Hospital (open at its new Paramus location since last year), Valley Home Care and Valley Medical Group. Carey oversees all services – from infrastructure through to end-user customer service. He played a key role in the design of The Valley Hospital — a smart hospital that features the latest technology and artificial intelligence. In August, he was recognized as one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s hospital and health system CIOs to Know for 2024. “I look forward to continuing the important work we do to improve operations and ease of access for our staff, patients, and their loved ones,” said Carey in an August press release. During the fall, Valley Health System was recognized as one of the nation’s “Most Wired,” according to a CHIME survey. The designation highlights hospitals and health systems that are at the forefront of using health care IT to improve the delivery of care. “We strategically leverage technology to optimize access to high-quality care, as well as to improve outcomes and the patient experience,” said Carey in a November press release. “With the opening of our new hospital this year, we have implemented exceptional new technologies that only further our commitment to our patients.”

 

Lori Colineri

Chief nursing officer and vice president | Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Medical Center

Colineri is chief nursing officer and vice president at Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Medical Center. She is known for her extensive clinical, operational and leadership experience in academic quaternary, tertiary and community hospital settings. Colineri boasts expertise in nursing and medical staff relations, strategic planning, business development and performance improvement, using a multidisciplinary team approach. She has served as chief nursing officer in several areas of New Jersey. In her current position, Colineri is responsible for the delivery of patient care, developing and implementing strategy and policies, along with overseeing the JFK Muhlenberg Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging. The role enables her to work toward educating and preparing student nurses and medical imagers, as well as facilitate their transition into practice in hospitals. Over her 40-year career, Colineri has proven to be a trailblazer for nursing excellence, paving the way for many nurses to reach their full potential through coaching and mentorship, according to Hackensack Meridian.

 

Geoff Cook

CEO | Noom

Just one year after New Jersey native Geoff Cook took the helm at Noom – the digital health platform that blends personalized psychology with medicine – it moved from New York City to Princeton, where the CEO resides. The company occupies a 9,000-square-foot office at One Palmer Square. The move was inspired by Cook’s experience operating The Meet Group (a NASDAQ-listed social dating and live-streaming company), which is headquartered in New Hope. “I was there for 18 years, so I saw firsthand how in a small town having multiple coffee shop options, multiple bars and restaurants can lead to a feeling of camaraderie for the folks who are coming in because it’s so easy to hang out afterwards and conducive to those kind of happy hours or impromptu coffee walks,” he said, pointing to Princeton’s walkability. “… And that’s how a lot of times relationships are made and ideas are had – in those in between moments. So, it was important for me to locate somewhere where we could have that vibe.” Appointed CEO in July 2023, Cook is overseeing the company’s next phase of growth, which has included the rollout of its Noom GLP-1 Rx product. “I think we really want to play across all the dimensions of health and wellness,” he said. “I think Noom has always taken a holistic view that that whole person care is really important.”

 

Paul Di Maio and John Rosero

CEO and general counsel, respectively | Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut

Di Maio and Rosero are the new CEO and general counsel, respectively, at Delta Dental of New Jersey and Connecticut. As CEO, Di Maio provides strategic leadership and guidance on commercial, governance and regulatory matters while driving key initiatives in areas such as human resources; labor relations; training and development; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and corporate compliance. Di Maio also spearheaded innovative strategies to ensure the organization’s competitiveness, navigating complex challenges to deliver on its mission. Additionally, he led the successful effort to obtain authorization to market and sell vision insurance in New Jersey. He is actively engaged in the community, serving on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey, and as chair of its Governance Committee. Di Maio also serves as vice president of the Delta Dental of New Jersey Foundation. The group awards $1 million in grants each year to support dental education and access to dental care for uninsured and underinsured children, seniors, veterans and those with developmental disabilities. Rosero oversees Delta Dental’s legal and compliance functions as well as the organization’s government affairs operations. Rosero stepped into the role in December, following Di Maio’s appointment. He previously spent 27 years with Prudential Financial in various leadership positions at the Newark-based company. Most recently, he served as vice president and chief compliance officer for U.S. businesses. “John brings a wealth of experience navigating complex regulatory landscapes to the organization and strategic vision to our growth and innovation strategies. His distinguished track record in legal and transformation leadership, combined with expertise in compliance, risk management, and corporate governance within the insurance industry, will be a critical asset to Delta Dental,” Di Maio said when the hiring was announced.

 

Saad Ehtisham

CEO (incoming) | Atlantic Health System

Effective July 30, Ehtisham will take over as CEO of Atlantic Health System, replacing Brian Gragnolati who retired after 10 years at the helm. Ehtisham most recently served as senior vice president and president of acute care operations for Novant Health. Based in Winston-Salem, N.C., the integrated care delivery network comprises a $10 billion portfolio treating 7 million patients annually, according to AHS. Novant Health’s network includes 19 hospitals, 41,000 employees, and more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians working across nearly 900 sites in North and South Carolina. AHS described Ehtisham as a distinguished leader with more than 20 years’ experience guiding and transforming health organizations. In particular, Atlantic Health highlighted his expertise in both for-profit and not-for-profit systems. Beyond acute care operations, Ehtisham also brings a background of strategic planning and market growth, physician engagement, nursing, graduate medical education, financial performance and philanthropy to the role, AHS said. “Patients and families across our region deserve the very best care – cutting edge treatments and therapies that are as accessible, affordable, and convenient as they are healing,” AHS Board Chair Laura Ann Kelly said when the appointment was announced. “After a comprehensive national search, we are delighted to welcome Saad to our broad community and grateful that his thoughtful, seasoned leadership will now guide our talented team.”

 

Dr. Matthew Kaufman

Surgeon | The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction

Kaufman is a surgeon at The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction in Red Bank. He is double board certified in plastic surgery and otolaryngology. The Institute says Kaufman is redefining patient care in the field of reconstructive surgery through innovation, leadership and compassion. He has pioneered treatments that were once thought impossible and is regarded as the world’s leading expert in phrenic nerve reconstruction. In fact, Kaufman is the only doctor performing this surgery on a regular basis to restore breathing function for patients with diaphragm paralysis, according to the institute. He has completed over 800 such procedures, and his techniques have attracted patients worldwide, offering hope to those often dismissed by traditional health care systems. Kaufman’s contributions to clinical research, education and physician empowerment exemplify the Institute’s mission to restore quality of life through multidisciplinary, research-driven care. He received surgical training at one of the nation’s top training programs for otolaryngology – head and neck surgery at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. While there, he trained with world famous surgeons dedicated to complex head and neck reconstruction and facial plastic surgery. Upon completion, he continued his training in plastic and reconstructive surgery at the prestigious UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles, he learned the most advanced and innovative plastic surgery techniques from leaders and innovators practicing in the epicenter of the aesthetic surgery world.

 

Kara Kushnir

Founder and clinical director | A Work of Heart Counseling

Kushnir is the founder and clinical director of A Work of Heart Counseling in Allendale. Over the last five years, she has weathered the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of her industry and emerged as a trailblazer in envisioning innovative solutions to mental health challenges, according to the company. Kushnir treats A Work of Heart Counseling not just as a business but also as a haven for women and children. The staff is predominantly female and comprised of mothers. Kushnir also actively promotes work-life balance, flexibility and a family-friendly atmosphere. Colleagues say she believes in honoring every individual as a partner, a parent and a person first — a philosophy that has become the cornerstone of the business. Kushnir says she believes in the essence of contemporary therapy, which centers on genuine human interactions. While she integrates evidence-based clinical techniques, her aim is to foster an atmosphere akin to conversing with a trusted confidant over coffee, where together they navigate toward solutions relevant to today’s challenges. When working with children, she adapts by engaging them at their level, whether through interactive play, artistic expression or providing a nurturing environment. Rejecting the notion of a universal approach, she tailors her methods to each individual client – be it a child, adolescent, expectant mother or adult – employing an eclectic and client-centered approach. Kushnir led her practice to being named a “Health Care Hero in Mental Health” by NJBIZ. Now she is now working on a children’s book, “Mama’s Thoughts,” written to inspire new moms to trust themselves and notice how their baby views them instead of listening to the scary or hard thoughts they often struggle with. Kushnir also currently serves as the chair of Postpartum Support International – NJ Chapter, where she supports training, advocacy and support efforts for new parents struggling with perinatal mental health conditions.

 

Michelle Larkin

Interim executive vice president | Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Larkin currently serves as interim executive vice president at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In her other role, as vice president of program management, she oversees RWJF’s work in New Jersey and provides grant management. Last fall, she commanded the room as part of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System’s Forum at Four series, offering a frank and engaging conversation about her experiences, RWJF’s work, challenges in delivering health care and potential solutions. But her story would still be interesting even if she wasn’t so good at telling it. Larkin earned her law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law while working at RWJF, but she started in health care. After working bedside as a nurse for 12 years, she got her master’s in health policy before going on to work with the CDC and U.S. Senate. RWJF eventually recruited her, following a collaboration while she was in the public sector. Joining as a program associate, Larkin has since held many roles at RWJF over 25 years there.

 

Diane Litterer

CEO and executive director | New Jersey Prevention Network

As CEO and executive director of the New Jersey Prevention Network, Litterer puts her more than 20 years’ experience in public health to use to lead the agency tasked with preventing substance use, addiction and other chronic diseases. Throughout her career, Litterer has developed prevention programs backed by federal, state, county and local funding. Among the initiatives she manages are training for the addiction field, the Military Family project and more, as well as overseeing the state’s largest addiction conference. Her work helps professionals employ evidence-based programs and practices to implement effective local strategies and create change. Earlier this summer, NJPN launched The Learning Center. “By expanding the reach of our education, we are building a more resilient, prepared and effective workforce capable of meeting the challenges of addiction throughout New Jersey,” Litterer said at the time.

 

Shlomi Madar

CEO | SpotitEarly

SpotitEarly combines two types of AI – artificial and animal intelligence – in an effort to revolutionize cancer screening. The non-invasive experience engages the expertise of man’s best friend to help sniff out cancer – literally – with AI backing to standardize and stabilize raw data to better interpret and understand how dogs react to samples. As CEO, Madar guides the Englewood-based company’s work. The startup diagnoses four common cancers: lung, breast, colorectal and prostate. And when it comes to early screening, Madar says SpotitEarly actually performs fairly better than traditional diagnostics. The company has achieved a 94% accuracy rate in a two-year clinical trial including 1,400 individuals. While still under development, the experience begins with an at-home breath sample collection. At its lab, trained dogs interact with the scent in “sniffing ports.” That experience is then analyzed by the company’s LUCID AI tech. “When you combine it with machine learning and advanced AI, you can really push the limit of the sensitivity of those tests,” Madar told NJBIZ in June. SpotitEarly has attracted backing from top VC firms and angel investors, such as Hanaco VC, Jeff Swartz (former CEO of Timberland), Avishai Abrahami (CEO of Wix.com) and others. In addition to receiving several grants, SpotItEarly entered the U.S. market in May with $20 million in seed funding raised. The launch also coincided with the opening of its Series A funding round.

 

Jonathan Marks

Founder and CEO | Clinical: Medical Real Estate Solutions

Marks departed from the specialty practice he built at Cresa New Jersey earlier this year to launch Clinical: Medical Real Estate Solutions. The Hackensack-based business provides a one-stop shop for clinical strategy, operations and real estate services. Its clients include physicians, medical groups, hospitals, management services organizations and investors. Since April, founder and CEO Marks has steadily expanded his team. Clinical Advisory Group launched in May with industry vets at its helm to help medical practices drive sustainable growth and scalability. “Having a specialized team that is very service oriented about streamlining their operations and portfolio versus solely on the real estate is beneficial to the physicians, medical group, hospitals,” Marks told NJBIZ upon launching Clinical. “And having this specialization and the best team on the field is really going to help to streamline that, reduce cost, mitigate risk, and put them in the best position to … operate their facilities and provide world-class services to their patients.” Marks plans to expand Clinical align with increasing demand for health care services and growth in the medical office commercial real estate sector. “The doctors understand referring to a specialist,” Marks told NJBIZ, “we’re that specialist …”

 

Vincent Mileto

Co-founder and chief operating officer | Orcosa

Mileto is co-founder and chief operating officer at Orcosa. Based in Ewing, the clinical-stage life sciences company works to change how patients take medicine. It endeavors to improve outcomes via a proprietary technology, the RITe (Rapid Infusion Technology) Platform. The fast-acting, easy-to-take tablet is made to enhance drug absorption, thus offering an alternative option to opioids for treating moderate to severe pain. Mileto has more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and is a subject matter expert in commercial pharmaceutical manufacturing. He previously spent nine years with Catalent Pharma Solutions in roles with increasing responsibility. At Orcosa, Mileto oversees the platform development, manufacturing, engineering, laboratory and quality assurance business units. According to the company, his leadership is fundamental to its operational success. In May, Mileto presented at BioNJ’s BioPartnering Conference in Jersey City. “Modernizing The Way Medicines Are Taken,” highlighted the company’s drug delivery tech. According to Pitchbook, Orcosa closed on $14.8 million in funding in January.

 

Opeyemi Oluwole

Chief marketing officer | Hackensack Meridian Health

Oluwole joined Hackensack Meridian Health at the start of 2025. As chief marketing officer, her work aims to advance the HMH brand and drive engagement. “Ope Oluwole has a proven track record of delivering results,” Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer Jose Lozano commented upon her appointment. She previously spent 15 years working for American Express. She also worked at Teladoc Health for eight years, most recently as senior vice president, Brand and Consumer Marketing. While there, HMH said Opeyemi led growth initiatives with transformative results, citing company revenues that scaled to $2.6 billion in 2023. Oluwole’s strengths, highlighted on LinkedIn, include driving consumer behavior change, performance and partnership marketing, brand stewardship, business growth and strategic planning. At HMH, the state’s “largest and most comprehensive health network” said Oluwole will build the network’s brand to increase awareness, improve reputation, increase fundraising revenue and enhance relevance among target audiences. According to her LinkedIn profile, Oluwole also serves as a senior advisor to Carrot Fertility and board member for Stride.

 

Stephen Rosenman

CEO | Everwell Health

As consumer preferences in the supplement and functional wellness market continue to shift, both mobility and beauty benefits are emerging as top priorities among consumers. They’re also looking for healthy aging solutions earlier in life to maintain their physical abilities, prolong healthy function and maintain a youthful appearance. Based in Saddle Brook, Everwell Health is considered one of the fastest growing and most scaled branded functional ingredient companies in the U.S. via organic and strategic growth. When Everwell Health launched in 2021 with its first acquisition, Nutrition21 LLC, Rosenman, a 25-plus year veteran in consumer health, was named inaugural CEO. Since then, he’s led the company in its mission of helping people look, feel and perform their best by advancing the science of safe, convenient ,and attainable function ingredients in dietary supplements and food & beverage brands. Under his leadership, Everwell Health has grown through a combination of scientific innovation – exemplified by such patented brands as Nitrosigine, Velositol, Chromax, Lustriva – and strategic acquisitions, including three this year: EverZen, Celadrin and American River Nutrition. Altogether, the company’s R&D pipeline spans over 50 patents and it remains focused on business development partnerships across the consumer health and wellness markets. Before Everwell Health, Rosenman’s career spanned senior level positions across the entire value chain in specialty, food, mass, drug and club channels on aspects such as ingredients, manufacturing, finished good branding, and mergers & acquisitions. Besides being a founding executive of International Vitamin Corp., Roseman’s resume includes leadership posts in health care and nutrition at Inverness Medical Innovations and Alere Inc., which was later acquired by Abbott Laboratories.

 

Bob Ryan

Principal-in-charge | DIGroup Architecture’s Healthcare Studio

As the principal-in-charge of New Brunswick-based DIGroup Architecture’s Healthcare Studio, Ryan brings nearly 40 years of experience to an industry where superior design can and does impact lives. Among recent projects where the firm has served as architect-of-record include an emergency department observation unit at Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center and an interior medical building fit out for an outpatient facility at Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Medical Center. Formed in 2006 as a merger of four competing architectural firms, DIGroup is the largest majority Black-owned architectural, interior and graphic design firm in New Jersey. It serves clients across academic, civic, health care and senior living spaces. Since one of the biggest challenges in the health care sector is how to maintain “near-zero-interruption” to daily operations and patient care during projects, Ryan has used his expertise to develop a customized phasing roadmap for generating swing space that syncs supply and labor procurement. The entire process is addressed, tested and verified by DIG to assure seamless design integration under Ryan’s guidance. In an interview with Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal, Ryan shared, “Health care is perhaps one of the fastest-evolving industries, from technology to once-in-a-lifetime epidemics. When we start a new project, we immerse ourselves in questions and feedback that enable us to design a usable space while future-proofing its viability as health care evolves … We have to be innovative, forward-looking and rethink how we design these spaces for optimal use for a range of medical modalities and scenarios.”

 

Kyle Snook

CEO | Axia Women’s Health

The new chief executive officer of Voorhees-based Axia Women’s Health, Snook took the helm of the privately owned women’s health group in June. After serving as CEO since June 2022, his predecessor Dr. Gaurov Dayal moved into a board role earlier this year. Snook joined Axia from ophthalmology administrative services organization PRISM Vision Group, where he served as chief operating officer. He has also held senior leadership roles at Strive Health and DaVita. Considered one of the largest independent women’s health groups in the U.S., Axia serves over 500,000 women in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana and Kentucky. Its community of over 400 providers across more than 100 locations offers services such as obstetrics, gynecology, fertility, maternal fetal medicine, mammography, behavioral health and laboratory services. In naming the new CEO, Axia Director Eileen Auen described Snook as “an outstanding leader who brings a proven track record of driving growth, operational excellence, and profitability for independent physician practices.” She believes his “deep technical experience and commitment to expanding access to care, especially for vulnerable populations, make him an excellent fit” for the job. Snook’s background also includes a bachelor’s degree in engineering from West Point and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Additionally, he served in the U.S. Army as a combat platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division and earned a Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan. Commenting on his newest role, Snook said, “I’m honored to join Axia, an organization with such a strong legacy of best-in-class women’s health care. I’m looking forward to building on this foundation and working alongside our dedicated clinical and executive leadership team to further Axia’s growth.”

 

Michael “The Situation” Sorrentino

Partner | The Archangels Centers

After being sober for nearly a decade, the “Jersey Shore” star is preparing to unveil a treatment center for addiction and mental health support right here in New Jersey. Inspired by the Manalapan native’s personal journey from addiction to long-term recovery, The Archangels Centers seeks to combine Sorrentino’s passion for helping others with Ascend Behavioral Health Network’s Clinical expertise. Set to open soon in Princeton, Tinton Falls and Woodbridge, the brand will provide comprehensive care for adolescents and adults struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues and concurrent disorders. Treatment programs will include a mix of medical detox, therapy, group support and aftercare. Following the launch of the the first facilities, Sorrentino and his partners on the project hope to expand The Archangels Centers to locations beyond New Jersey. Sorrentino has been open about his past addiction and recovery. In December 2023, he published his memoir, “Reality Check: Making the Best of the Situation – How I Overcame Addiction, Loss and Prison.” He regularly speaks at treatment centers, high schools and colleges nationwide. Also, Sorrentino and his wife, Lauren, recently became intervention certified. The couple is reportedly working on a new reality series that will follow their work. In developing a treatment center, the star hopes his story will be “someone else’s roadmap to survival.” He believes his “experience, strength, and hope will help addicts find recovery, one day at a time.”

 

Mark Sparta

Chief operating officer | Hackensack Meridian Health

After Mark Stauder retired in July as Hackensack Meridian Health’s chief operating officer, Sparta, a 30-year veteran of the Edison-based health care system, was tapped as successor. As COO, Sparta leads operational and management functions for the network’s 18 hospitals, patient care services, clinical joint ventures, ambulatory services, facilities and construction, real estate and network-wide clinical services. He also assumed the role of president of the HMH Hospitals Corp. and Hackensack Meridian Ambulatory Care boards. After initially joining HMH as a staff physical therapist, Sparta steadily progressed through various leadership posts, including president and chief hospital executive of Hackensack University Medical Center, and, most recently, president of the system’s northern market. His accomplishments include spearheading the development of the Helena Theurer Pavilion at Hackensack University Medical Center, as well as expanding ambulatory and urgent care services in the northern region. In naming a new COO, Chief Executive Officer Robert Garrett said Sparta’s “proven leadership, deep understanding of our organization, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care make him the ideal choice to lead our operations.” As part of the leadership team of the largest health network in New Jersey, Garrett said Sparta’s “vision and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of transforming health care.”

 

Robin Walton

SVP of external affairs and chief philanthropy officer | Inspira Health

As senior vice president of external affairs and chief philanthropy officer for Inspira Health, Walton not only manages the South Jersey-based health system’s external affairs portfolio but also leads donor relations and fundraising initiatives. Before her February 2024 promotion, Walton spent three years as Inspira’s senior vice president of government and external affairs, a position in which she established many collaborations and partnerships with a variety of political representatives, government offices and community stakeholders. During her time with Inspira, Walton has helped secure funding for vital projects to expand access and care for the communities Inspira serves in the South Jersey region. That work includes a youth anti-violence program in Cumberland County, behavioral health expansions, an Autism Diagnostic Center in Woodbury Township, the Community Health Worker program and the expansion of the County Option for Medicaid recipients. Prior to Inspira, Walton’s background spanned more than a decade of experience in government and community relations in higher education, health care and library services. Her previous roles include vice president for community and government affairs at Thomas Edison University. She has also held pivotal positions at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and Capital Health. Walton also recently became the fourth woman and first person of color elected chair of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey after holding numerous leadership roles over the past 14 years with the organization. Over the years, Walton has received numerous accolades, including being named to NJBIZ’s Top Forty Under 40 list in 2016 and as a Best 50 Women in Business honoree in 2019. In March, Walton was recognized with the with the Trailblazer Award by the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey for her efforts in improving the lives of communities across New Jersey and for championing the advancement of women in health care.