RWJBarnabas Health Elevates 7 Senior Execs in Strategic Realignment

'We must continually assess how we are structured and ensure we have the best leadership in every role,' CEO says.

RWJBarnabas Health, which partners with Rutgers University to create New Jersey’s largest academic healthcare system, has expanded role responsibilities for seven key executives in a systemwide leadership and management transition.

These senior team members have been promoted to the title of executive vice president (EVP):

• Paul Alexander, MD, MPH, has assumed the new role of EVP, chief equity and transformation officer, encompassing accountable care organization management, the employee health plan, and other resources dedicated to building necessary infrastructure. He previously was senior vice president and chief transformation officer.
• Nancy Holecek, MAS, MHA, BSN, RN, is now EVP, chief nursing officer, overseeing more than 11,000 nursing professionals and leading the system’s nursing initiatives in strategic planning, fiscal decisions, patient satisfaction, care coordination, and quality. Former leadership positions include senior vice president and CNO.
• Gail Kosyla, MBA, FACHE, FHELA, is EVP, system financial operations, where she is responsible for the financial functions as well as treasury operations. Responsibilities include revenue cycle, supply chain, financial reporting, payroll, and budgeting. She was formerly CFO of the system’s Central Region.
• Indu Lew, PharmD, has assumed the new role of EVP, chief pharmacy officer, managing the pharmaceutical supply chain, ensuring quality outcomes through performance improvement activities, and optimizing overall pharmacy and patient care environments. Lew was previously senior vice president and chief pharmacy officer.
• DeAnna Minus-Vincent, MPA, is EVP, chief social justice and accountability officer, in which she will advance the Ending Racism Together initiative, for both the institution and surrounding communities. Minus-Vincent previously was senior vice president, chief social integration and health equity strategist.
• Trina Parks, MHA, FACHE, has assumed the new role of EVP, chief corporate diversity and inclusion officer, to attract and develop diverse talent, and engage respectfully with RWJBarnabas Health’s diverse communities. Parks formerly was corporate senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer.
• Eileen Urban's retirement was announced earlier this year. To recognize her vast contributions—including establishing a world-class investment management and treasury function, exceptional management of the system’s $2.5 billion debt portfolio, and serving as a mentor to countless system leaders—Urban was named EVP, treasury and chief investment officer. She formerly was the chief investment officer and senior vice president of treasury.

"To further build upon our current success, we must continually assess how we are structured and ensure we have the best leadership in every role," Barry H. Ostrowsky, president and CEO, said in a press release.

"I am proud of their accomplishments and eager to move forward with this team of diverse leaders who are each dedicated to excellence in their respective fields," he said. "I am equally pleased to further our commitment to equity and diversity, as we continue to elevate the roles and responsibilities associated with this very important part of our mission."

Editor's note: This story was updated on September 30, 2021.