Kenneth M. Esser, Chief of Staff and Vice-President, Named to NJBIZ’s 2019 40 Under 40 List

Key executive and rising star honored for role in coordinating major strategies contributing to network’s growth, innovation and commitment to medical education

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, is pleased to announce that Kenneth M. Esser, chief of staff and vice-president, was included in NJBIZ’s 2019 40 Under 40 Awards, an outstanding honor that recognizes exceptional leadership in young executives.

Mr. Esser, 38, joined Hackensack Meridian Health in October – his first role in health care – and has made major strides in advancing the network’s strategic growth and commitment to innovation and medical education.

"The annual 40 Under 40 Awards honor the movers and shakers making their mark in New Jersey business," NJBIZ editors noted. "Representing a wide range of industries, these young notables prove age is nothing but a number through their determination, passion and drive to achieve."

"This recognition for Kenny is justly deserved – his insight, intelligence and energy is evident in every leading initiative underway at Hackensack Meridian Health," said Robert C. Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health.

Mr. Esser manages corporate and board efforts to establish and execute long-term vision for the network which includes forging new partnerships to enhance care and care delivery. This includes the development of a behavioral health strategy after the merger with the Carrier Clinic, establishing a Center for Discovery and Innovation, and developing, managing and executing the network’s government relations efforts. Additionally, Mr. Esser plays a major role in coordinating developments impacting the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University, New Jersey’s first private medical school in decades, which has received national accolades for its innovative curriculum.

He is responsible for the central coordination of activities for the organization, including operations, internal and external communications, budget and planning, and managing priorities for the executive staff to ensure that the vision and strategic intent of the CEO is fully executed.

Prior to joining Hackensack Meridian Health, Mr. Esser served as manager of Program Growth and Strategy at PSE&G and led the development and implementation of the organization’s utility of the future strategy and a host of other successful energy programs and initiatives.

While at PSE&G, he developed strategies and programs that further helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, through investments in electric vehicles, energy efficiency, smart grid technologies, and renewable energy programs.  This included an electric vehicle workplace-charging program, DC-charging infrastructure on the NJ Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, and bringing smart thermostats to the market place to provide energy efficiency solutions to customers.

Mr. Esser also served as Chief Energy Advisor for former Governor Jon Corzine.

To access the article in NJBIZ: https://njbiz.com/welcome-ad/?retUrl=/njbiz-announces-2019s-40-40-winners/