Longtime Nurse Becomes Morristown Medical Center's Newest President

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – To say Trish O’Keefe knows Morristown Medical Center inside and out would be a vast understatement.

O’Keefe began her career as a bedside nurse in 1981, when the hospital was named Morristown Memorial Hospital. Throughout her career her roles grew, along with their responsibilities, and was named Chief Nursing Officer in 1996, Chief Experience Officer in 2012, and has served as the interim president since July 2015.

“Trish has the experience and talent needed to lead Morristown Medical Center, a very complex teaching hospital and critical part of Atlantic Health System,” said Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO, Atlantic Health System, in a statement. “She has dedicated her career to our patients and the community, and cares deeply about our staff, physicians and volunteers. Her collaborative spirit, positive outlook and true sense of purpose inspire all of us to do better. Trish is the perfect choice for this very important role.”

Under O’Keefe’s leadership, Morristown Medical Center received the prestigious designation as an American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Hospital for Nursing Excellence in 2001. Her continued passion for expertise in nursing led to a re-designation in 2005, 2009 and 2014—one of only 24 hospitals internationally and nationally to receive the award four times, Atlantic Health announced.

O’Keefe, who lives in Morristown, also serves as a board member for the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the NJ Sharing Network. She participates on the McKesson National Clinical Advisory Board and has served on the Board of Directors for Organization of Nurse Executives in New Jersey for 10 years.