Jersey City Medical Center Holds Appreciation Dinner For Board Chairs

JERSEY CITY, NJ — Jersey City Medical Center, an affiliate of RWJBarnabas Health, held a special dinner to show appreciation for former Board Chair Bob Margulies, and to welcome Carlos Lejnieks as the hospital’s new and first Latinx Board Chair.

The appreciation dinner for Lejnieks took place during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15.

Special guests included New Jersey’s First Lady Tammy Murphy, New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way and State Senator Sandra Cunningham, and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill. Michael Prilutsky, President and CEO of Jersey City Medical Center, served as the event host and emcee. Prilutsky touted the hospital’s commitment to healing, enhancing, and investing in Hudson County, which includes the expansion of the hospital’s footprint and its investment in its offering of programs and services. Just recently, the hospital opened a 60,000-square-foot, $100 million state-of-the-art Emergency Department and the new Abercrombie Guild Pediatric Emergency Department, and a series of new operating suites, including a hybrid operating room.

“As Hudson County’s leading healthcare provider, I am unbelievably proud to have had the opportunity to benefit from Bob’s leadership and wise counsel. He leaves behind a legacy for Carlos Lejnieks, JCMC’s new board chair to continue,” Prilutsky said, adding, “Much like Bob, Carlos is a deeply committed individual, and what we all have in common is our interest in ensuring that residents of Hudson County receive the very best healthcare.”

Lejnieks has extensive ties to the local community. He is the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex, Hudson & Union Counties. Additionally, Lejnieks currently serves on Governor Murphy’s “Third Sector Advisory Council,” tasked with policy recommendations for the 1.2M “ALICE” (Asset Limited Income Constrained and Employed) families most affected by the pandemic and, in 2018, he was appointed to the New Jersey Real Estate Commission. He has also served on former President Obama’s Regional Finance Committee, and Transition Teams for Governor Phil Murphy, Governor Chris Christie, and former Newark Mayor Cory Booker.

“I am honored to serve as Jersey City Medical Center’s new board chair, but I’m also sad to see Bob Margulies go. He has served his community with passion and care, putting Hudson County’s residents needs first, “said Carlos Lejnieks, Board Chair, Jersey City Medical Center. “As I continue to grow in my new role, I hope to model Bob’s vision, continue his legacy, and build upon it.”

“Jersey City Medical Center is fortunate to not only welcome a new Board Chair, but to welcome the first Latinx person to serve on the Board.” said Tammy Murphy, New Jersey’s First Lady. “Carlos Lejnieks is a wonderful choice to serve as Board Chair, we know he will fill Bob Margulies shoes well, and continue to provide Hudson County residents with the best medical services New Jersey has to offer.”

This press release was produced by JCMC. The views expressed here are the author's own.