HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER HOSTS 123RD ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARDS
September 22, 2011 08:44 AM
Hackensack University Medical Center hosted the Board of Governors 123rd Annual Meeting and the Hillcrest Health Services System, Inc.’s 23rd Annual Meeting to an audience of more than 300 people, consisting of its membership, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, Hackensack University Medical Center Advisory Board of Directors, HUMC physicians, nurses, and staff, as well as members of the public.
The meeting was called to order by James R. Napolitano, Esq., chairman, Hillcrest Board of Trustees, and began with inspiring renditions of the national anthem and “America the Beautiful” by the Hackensack High School Vocal Ensemble. Following their performance, Father Eugene Hazewski delivered the invocation.
While delivering his report of the chairman, Hillcrest Board of Trustees, Mr. Napolitano acknowledged, “We have been on the cutting-edge of corporate governance, and we’re very proud of that. We are constantly evolving to meet the growing demands of our patients, and as we move forward to an era of healthcare reform, building networks and increasing communication is key.”
Mr. Napolitano introduced J. Fletcher Creamer, Jr., member of the Hillcrest Board of Trustees and former chairman of the Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors. Mr. Creamer delivered the report of the Board Development Committee, which he noted has been working diligently over the last year.
Following Mr. Creamer to give the report of the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation was its chairman, Joseph Simunovich. “As we move forward in 2011, we look back at 2010 with pride,” said Mr. Simunovich. “The Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation raised $18.3 million in 2010, surpassing its goal of $16 million.”
Mr. Simunovich applauded the commitment and support of everyone who contributed to make it a successful year, noting some of the prominent campaigns, including: the new John Theurer Cancer Center, and its “Beyond Extraordinary” campaign chaired by internationally-renowned author and member of the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, Mary Higgins Clark, which raised $20 million in 2010, totaling $65 million raised to-date; the Heart & Vascular Hospital campaign, which set its goal of $25 million; The Touchdown Fund: Score for Kids, Cardiac, and Cancer – a result of Hackensack University Medical Center’s partnership with the New York Giants – which alone raised more than one million dollars; the MOLLY and LINDSEY Diabetes Research Foundation and its partnership with the University of Miami to advance the search for a cure of type 1 diabetes; the 10th Annual Charity Run and Motorcycle Raffle which despite a rainy day raised more than $500,000, the most in the event’s history; the 13th Annual Golf Outing; the 2010 Annual Recognition Gala held on the field at the new Meadowlands Stadium, which raised more than $2 million; and numerous other community functions for that rounded out a successful philanthropic year.
Introduced next was Joseph M. Sanzari, chairman of the Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors, who begged the question, “What makes Hackensack University Medical Center so successful? Its beautiful buildings, exciting partnerships, new technologies… but most of all, the people.”
Mr. Sanzari continued, “What drives our success is an accomplished team of leaders, top-notch doctors and nurses, and our caring staff, all of whom ensure we operate to the highest standards.” He acknowledged the efforts of Robert C. Garrett, president and chief executive officer, and Ketul J. Patel, executive vice president, chief strategy and operations officer, saying they’ve done a wonderful job bringing the hospital to new heights.
Mr. Garrett was the next speaker, delving right into some of the medical center’s most impressive accolades of the year, such as being named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades® for the fifth year in a row – and the only one in New York, New Jersey, and New England to be named for five consecutive years. Additionally, Hackensack University Medical Center was named one of the 50 best hospitals in America by Becker's Hospital Review. Mr. Garrett excitedly pointed out that 2010 was Hackensack University Medical Center’s best financial performance ever, with an operating margin of more than $33 million, while contributing more than $80 million in unreimbursed charity care to the community. He also spoke of the many initiatives put into place by Hackensack University Medical Center in an effort to lead the pursuit of excellence in healthcare.
“In this era of healthcare reform, our industry needs to become more accountable. If we do our job well – keeping patients healthy – we will be rewarded,” said Mr. Garrett. “It is because of this commitment that we have formed an accountable care organization (ACO). We have joined this national collaborative to compare best practices, form partnerships with physicians and insurance companies, and keep open the lines of communication with other hospitals and healthcare systems all focused around the patient.”
“This past year, we continued to build our solid foundation, keeping us well prepared for any changes coming our way,” Mr. Garrett continued. “We opened our new Heart & Vascular Hospital allowing us the best possible environment to provide cardiovascular care. We fulfilled our dream of opening up a world-class cancer facility in the John Theurer Cancer Center, and now our attention turns to expanding our Emergency Department, something we know is important to our patients because we’ve been listening to them.”
Mr. Garrett also noted the achievements of the Obstetrician and Gynecology team at the medical center, who delivered a record number of babies in 2010: 6,307. According to preliminary data, it’s the most number of births in the state of New Jersey. He also updated the audience on the continued success and patient satisfaction found at Hackensack University Medical Center at Pascack Valley’s Satellite Emergency Department, and the relentless pursuit of trying to open an acute care hospital of 128-beds in Westwood.
Following Mr. Garrett was Edward J. Ludwig, chairman, Hackensack University Medical Center Advisory Board of Directors and member, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, who was on-hand to give the first ever report of the Hackensack University Medical Center Advisory Board, which formed in the past year. "I am pleased to report the medical center’s Advisory Board had a very successful first year. We are focusing on key initiatives such as Facilities Planning, and Marketing & Communications,” said Mr. Ludwig. “The Board is also providing important counsel to the essential specialty clinical institutions within Hackensack University Medical Center such as the John Theurer Cancer Center, the Joseph. M. Sanzari Children's Hospital and Donna A. Sanzari Women’s Hospital, and the Heart & Vascular Hospital. We are proud to be an essential contributor to HUMC's best-in-class Governance practices."
The Medical Executive Committee report was given by Massimo M. Napolitano, M.D., 2010 chairman of the committee, ex-officio, Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors, member, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, and chief of Vascular Surgery at Hackensack University Medical Center. “There has been lots of change over the last year: we now have joint ventures and partnerships in physician groups; we have a code blue team covering every area in the hospital; the implementation of EPIC; and more. But what am I most proud of?” Dr. Napolitano asked. “Teamwork. Our greatest accomplishments of 2010 were human ones. The HealthGrades Excellence Awards wouldn’t have been possible without everyone’s participation, and our presence in community education and prevention programs made a positive impact on our neighbors. I am proud to have served as your medical executive committee chairman.”
Broaching the topic of financial matters was Frank DeCongelio, member of the Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors, who gave the treasurer’s report. Mr. DeCongelio explained, “The medical center’s total assets grew by $80 million, while at the same time, total liabilities declined by nearly $40 million. During 2010, we refinanced $210 million, which will save more than $15 million over the life of the bonds. All the while, we provided an estimated $80 million in charity care.”
Rounding out the evening was the report of auxiliary, given by its president Ann Marie Saccaro. Ms. Saccaro detailed the presentation of a check in the amount of $411,400 to Robert L. Torre, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the HUMC Foundation, at the annual Auxiliary Luncheon held in May, fulfilling the $2.5 million pledge at the start of 2010. She then followed up by making another pledge on behalf of the Auxiliary for $2.5 million in 2011, to benefit the John Theurer Cancer Center and Heart & Vascular Hospital.
“We are so grateful to the senior centers of Bogota, Saddle Brook, and Tenafly, for their continued support and volunteerism,” said Ms. Saccaro. “I am grateful for the efforts of our Ways and Means Branch, and also the recently formed Employee Branch, and congratulate them on their successful fundraisers held throughout the past year.”
After opening the forum to questions from the audience, Mr. Sanzari recognized the following people for their continued service to the board: Recognition of Outgoing Chairman of Medical Executive Committee – Massimo M. Napolitano, M.D.; 40 Years Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors – Newton H. Gresser, M.D.; 25 Years HUMC Board of Governors – Anthony Scardino, Jr.; 20 Years Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors – J. Fletcher Creamer, Jr.; Nine Years Hackensack University Medical Center Advisory Board of Directors – Jennifer A. Borg, Esq; Peter A. Gross, M.D.; Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.; Samuel P. Hekemian; Barnard Leifer; Mark D. Schlesinger, M.D.; Nine Years Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors - Jennifer A. Borg, Esq; Peter A. Gross, M.D.; Robert S. Hekemian, Jr.; Samuel P. Hekemian; Barnard Leifer; John A. Schepisi, Esq.; and Nine Years Hillcrest Board of Trustees – Dante A. Implicito, M.D.
Mr. Sanzari then asked those present to honor a recently deceased prominent figure in HUMC history, Ms. Lydia T. Pfund, with a moment of silence. Ms. Pfund was an honorary member of the Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors and a member of the Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees. Amongst many impacts she had, she was also an early and continuous supporter of the John Theurer Cancer Center, named after her younger brother, John Theurer.
Shortly thereafter, Mr. Sanzari adjourned the annual meeting with enthusiasm and anticipation of the accomplishments and ventures that await Hackensack University Medical Center in 2011.
PHOTO CAPTION:
Joseph M. Sanzari, chairman of the Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors, addresses the crowd of more than 300 people, consisting of its membership, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board of Trustees, Hackensack University Medical Center Advisory Board of Directors, Hackensack University Medical Center physicians, nurses, and staff, as well as members of the public, at the Board of Governors 123rd Annual Meeting held March 15, 2011.
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