HMH Promotes Kenneth Esser to SVP
September 19, 2022
“Kenneth Esser is a proven leader who has been instrumental in our ability to successfully deliver high-quality care to the communities we serve,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “I am grateful for his continued leadership across the Hackensack Meridian Health network and look forward to his growing impact in New Jersey and the broader health care industry.”
In this new role, Esser will focus on developing strategies to transform the behavioral health CTS to meet industry best practices, improve patient experience and health outcomes, and reduce costs. He will also oversee strategic operations of the CTS and ensure methods align with Hackensack Meridian Health’s overall goals. In addition, he will serve as special advisor to the CEO and will continue to lead the Office of Government Affairs.
Esser joined Hackensack Meridian Health in October 2018 as vice president, Chief of Staff. He was an essential part of Hackensack Meridian Health’s COVID-19 response and recovery, connecting the network to all state and federal officials, securing essential supplies, leading the network’s vaccine rollout and policy development, and providing daily briefings. His work received industry-wide recognition when he was named to Modern Healthcare’s 2020 class of Top 25 Emerging Leaders.
Before joining Hackensack Meridian Health, Esser was the manager of Program Growth and Strategy for PSE&G. He also has a long history of public service, starting his career in state government. He most recently served as Chief Energy Advisor to the Governor. He previously held the roles of Policy Advisor for Energy and Economic Growth for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Senior Policy Advisor for Economic Growth for the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and Government Relations Specialist for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers University.