NJSNA Praises Decision to Name DOH Building After A Nurse

Judy Persichilli Recognized for Her Leadership During COVID-19 Pandemic

TRENTON, N.J.—June 22, 2021—The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) today praised the decision to name the new Department of Health building in downtown Trenton after one of their own—Judy Persichilli, R.N., B.S.N., M.A., commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health.

The honor recognizes Persichilli’s unwavering leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Judy Persichilli is a true advocate for health care whose leadership helped us answer the call during the state’s darkest days,” said Mary Ellen Levine, DNP, MSN, RN, CHPN, NJSNA president. “She continues to work tirelessly to address all challenges that have arisen related to the virus, allowing her nursing ethics to guide her decisions. Although she is our commissioner, she is first and foremost a nurse.”

Persichilli began serving as acting commissioner of health on Aug. 5, 2019. She was confirmed by the State Senate on Jan. 9, 2020.

Prior to leading the department, she served as the acting CEO of University Hospital in Newark and held CEO positions at CHE Trinity Health, Catholic Health East in Michigan and St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton.

In 2006, Persichilli was inducted into the NJSNA Hall of Honor.

Persichilli co-founded the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, which provides fundraising support to organizations throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. In April 2013, Modern Healthcare named her to its 2013 list of Top 25 Women in Healthcare.

Persichilli received her nursing diploma from the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University, and a Master of Arts in Administration Summa Cum Laude from Rider University.

To learn more about the New Jersey State Nurses Association, please visit njsna.org.