State officials announced yesterday that New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston has been appointed Interim CEO of University Hospital in Newark, the state's only public hospital, effective May 3, 2025. Dr. Baston has served as the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health since 2023. As reported by the New Jersey Globe, Governor Phil Murphy appointed Dr. Baston to replace outgoing hospital President and CEO Ed Jimenez, who has led the hospital since January 2022. The move will be a temporary one as University Hospital searches for a permanent CEO; Dr. Baston said she will not apply for the job.
“She has done a tremendous job leading the New Jersey Department of Health,” said Gov. Murphy. “I am confident that Dr. Baston will be an exceptional interim CEO of University Hospital." Before joining the Murphy Administration, she was the division head of Addiction Medicine and Medical Director of the Center for Healing at Cooper University Health Care. The changeover comes at a pivotal time for the healthcare system as the hospital is currently facing challenges that will demand strong leadership going forward.
Governor Murphy announced today that DOH's current Deputy Commissioner for Health Systems Jeff Brown will serve as Acting Health Commissioner.
