Morristown Officials Bid Farewell To Atlantic Health System CEO, Welcome New Replacement

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Atlantic Health System President and CEO Brian Gragnolati is stepping down from his position, and Morristown officials have offered a warm and grateful goodbye.

Atlantic Health System is a non-profit healthcare system that serves more than 550 sites of care throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, including Morristown’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital and the Morristown Medical Center.

Gragnolati has served as President and CEO of the non-profit since 2015, and in that time has been “a transformative figure not just for Atlantic Health, but for the entire region,” according to Morristown officials.

“Under Brian’s tenure, Atlantic Health System advanced significantly in its mission to deliver world-class, patient-centered care,” Mayor Tim Dougherty said in a statement. “He spearheaded the organization’s transition toward value-based care, strengthened its clinical excellence, and expanded its strategic footprint — all while never losing sight of the people and families behind every statistic and initiative. He led with compassion and vision.”

Gragnolati also served as Board Chair of the American Hospital Association, and will continue to serve as the Board Advisor for Atlantic Health System.

“He has been a true asset to Morristown, New Jersey, and the health care community at large,” added Dougherty.

Stepping into Gragnolati’s position next month is Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE.

Ehtisham has 20 years of leadership experience in both non-profit and for-profit health care organizations, including his current role as Senior Vice President and President of Acute Care Operations at Novant Health, according to Atlantic Health System.

“I am honored and deeply grateful to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead a renowned health system that is setting standards for health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area,” Ehtisham said in a statement. “I would also like to recognize and thank Brian Gragnolati for his leadership in advancing patient-centered care at Atlantic Health System and for his exemplary service to the health care industry. My wife, Tracy, and I are looking forward to joining our AHS colleagues.”

Morristown officials welcome Ehtisham, calling him "uniquely positioned to build upon the foundation Brian leaves behind."

Ehtisham will be entering the role of President and CEO on July 30.