Hackensack Meridian Health Honors Joseph Simunovich With Lifetime Achievement Award
May 13, 2019
Veteran trustee has chaired all major boards for 27 of the 28 years served with NJ’s largest health network and school of medicine
Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most integrated health network, is pleased to announce that Joseph Simunovich, a veteran leader on many of the network’s governing boards, has received the 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I am thrilled to honor a dear friend, a great mentor and a man who has contributed so much to Hackensack Meridian Health,’’ said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.
“For nearly 30 years, Joe Simunovich has dedicated himself to the betterment of our health network, patients and the community,’’ Mr. Garrett said. “Joe’s legacy is evident in so many of our achievements.’’
Mr. Simunovich was presented the award at the network’s 3rd Annual Meeting at the Park Chateau in East Brunswick, which drew nearly 1,000 executives, physicians, team members and elected officials.
“I am honored to receive this prestigious award and to continue to support such a dynamic health network that is really transforming health care in New Jersey and beyond,’’ Mr. Simunovich said.
He joined the Hackensack University Medical Center Board of Governors in 1991 and has served as chair of all major boards for 27 out of the 28 years he has served. He most recently served as co-chair of the Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees. Mr. Simunovich has served as chair of the Hackensack University Health Network Board of Trustees, the HackensackUMC Board of Governors, the HackensackUMC Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley Joint Venture Board.
Mr. Simunovich is the founding chair of the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University Board of Governors and will continue in this role as the school welcomes its second class this summer.
Nearly 5,000 applicants applied for 90 slots at in the innovative program which includes a 3-year path to residency, a community immersion program and interdisciplinary learning which supports team-based care.