Hackensack Meridian Health Promotes Kenneth Esser to SVP, Chief of Staff, Corporate Services and Governance, Government Relations
January 21, 2020
Hackensack Meridian Health is pleased to announce the promotion of Kenneth Esser to senior vice president, chief of staff, Corporate Services and Governance, Government Relations. Esser joined Hackensack Meridian Health in October of 2018 and has had a positive impact on many fronts. In addition to being responsible for central coordination of activities for the office of CEO, Esser also serves as the liaison to the Board of Trustees.
Over the past year, Esser assumed responsibility for Government Affairs and has played a significant role in securing funding for Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University. He also led the launch of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Take Vape Away campaign. With this promotion, Esser will now have oversight, with the chief marketing officer, of Hackensack Meridian Health’s internal and external communication strategies.
“This promotion is well-deserved. Kenny has proven himself to be an outstanding leader,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are fortunate to have him as part of the network’s leadership team and look forward to continuing our journey to transform health care in New Jersey and beyond.”
Prior to joining Hackensack Meridian Health, Esser was the manager of Program Growth and Strategy for PSE&G. He led the development and implementation of the organization’s utility of the future strategy. Esser was a senior associate with Gabel Associates where he advised clients on energy investment opportunities. His experience also includes serving as chief energy advisory for the Office of the Governor and a policy advisor for Energy and Economic Growth for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
Dedicated to giving back, Esser’s community service activities, past and present, include: a member of the Board of Trustees for Lead New Jersey; service as a founding member of ChargEVC, a coalition promoting electric vehicle use; an elected member of the Burlington County Democratic Committee; and a board member for ChargeForth, a 501c3 organization dedicated to promotion of electric vehicles and de-carbonization of transportation infrastructure.
Esser received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University.