TRENTON, NJ – During the COVID-19 pandemic, Judy Persichilli, the Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, needed no introduction to her daily appearances on the Governor’s COVID-19 briefs.
Each morning, after Governor Murphy said his piece about the pandemic, Persichilli took center stage to warn New Jerseyans of the deadly effects of the COVID-19 virus. Murphy would often introduce Persichilli as “the woman who needs no introduction”.
Now, she’s reportedly retiring, but not after the headquarters she works at in Trenton was named in her honor in 2022.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Persichilli strongly pushed the company line when it came to social distancing, closures, lockdowns and the state’s health response to the pandemic.
According to the New Jersey Globe, the search for her replacement is already in progress.
As the search for her successor begins, Governor Murphy may choose to promote from within, a common practice during the final years of a governor’s term. Among the potential candidates are the three deputy commissioners – Deborah Hartel, Robin Ford, and Sejal Hathi – and the chief of staff, Andrea Martinez-Mejia.
However, no names have been officially released by the governor’s office. It is likely that an acting appointment will be made, as term-limited governors typically prioritize expediency over Senate confirmation.
Commissioner Persichilli assumed her role in August 2019, succeeding Shereef Elnahal, who took on the role of president and CEO of University Hospital. Her confirmation by the full Senate took place in January 2020, just before the state’s first case of COVID-19 was reported.
Prior to her tenure in state government, Persichilli held prominent leadership positions, serving as the president and CEO of Catholic East Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton.