Mentorship Program
Connecting experienced healthcare leaders with emerging professionals to foster growth, learning, and career advancement.
Building Tomorrow's Healthcare Leaders
The ACHE-NJ Mentorship Program is a structured, year-long initiative that pairs aspiring and early-to-mid-career healthcare professionals with seasoned executives who have demonstrated excellence in healthcare leadership. Whether you are navigating your first management role or preparing for the C-suite, this program provides the personalized guidance and professional relationships you need to accelerate your career.
Open to All ACHE Members
The program welcomes ACHE members at any career stage. Whether you are a recent graduate, a department manager, or a vice president looking to give back, there is a role for you in the mentorship program.
Structured Yet Flexible
The program provides a framework of monthly touchpoints, goal-setting workshops, and networking events while allowing each mentor-mentee pair the flexibility to tailor their meetings to individual needs and schedules.
Benefits for Mentors & Mentees
The mentorship relationship is a two-way street. Both mentors and mentees gain valuable professional and personal benefits from participation.
Career Guidance
Mentees receive one-on-one advice on career trajectory, leadership challenges, and strategic decision-making from executives who have navigated similar paths.
Expanded Network
Both mentors and mentees gain access to each other's professional networks, opening doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and industry connections across New Jersey.
ACHE Education Credits
Mentors earn qualified ACHE continuing education credits for their participation, contributing to FACHE maintenance and ongoing professional development requirements.
Fresh Perspectives
Mentors benefit from the energy and fresh ideas that emerging leaders bring, staying connected to the challenges and innovations driving the next generation of healthcare.
FACHE Preparation
Mentees pursuing their FACHE credential receive focused guidance on exam preparation, portfolio development, and meeting the rigorous certification requirements.
Leadership Growth
Develop critical competencies in communication, strategic thinking, team management, and executive presence through real-world guidance and accountability.
How It Works
Our mentorship program runs each year from April 1 through October 1 and follows a simple four-step process designed to create meaningful, productive partnerships. Applications are accepted ahead of the April 1 cohort start — it is not rolling, year-round enrollment.
Apply
Complete the online application form indicating whether you would like to participate as a mentor or mentee. Share your career goals, areas of expertise, and what you hope to gain from the program.
Get Matched
The ACHE-NJ Mentorship Committee carefully reviews all applications and pairs mentors with mentees based on career interests, professional goals, areas of expertise, and organizational backgrounds.
Connect
Attend the program kickoff event to meet your partner, establish ground rules, and set goals for the year. Pairs commit to meeting at least once per month, whether in person, by phone, or virtually.
Grow
Throughout the program year, participate in exclusive networking events, group workshops, and check-in sessions. Celebrate your progress at the year-end recognition event alongside your fellow participants.
Who Should Apply
The ACHE-NJ Mentorship Program is designed for healthcare professionals at various stages of their careers. Here is how to know if the program is right for you.
Mentees: Early-Career Professionals
Recent graduates, residents, fellows, or professionals in their first 1-5 years of healthcare management. You are eager to learn the ropes, build your network, and gain strategic career advice from someone who has been in your shoes.
Mentees: Mid-Career Leaders
Directors, managers, and administrators looking to take the next step into senior leadership. You want guidance on navigating organizational politics, pursuing your FACHE, or transitioning into a C-suite role.
Mentors: FACHE-Certified Leaders
Fellows of the American College of Healthcare Executives who want to give back to the profession. Your FACHE credential and years of experience uniquely position you to guide the next generation of healthcare leaders.
Mentors: Senior Executives
CEOs, COOs, CFOs, CNOs, CIOs, and other senior leaders with 10 or more years of healthcare management experience. Share your wisdom, develop your coaching skills, and earn ACHE education credits.
Mentorship Committee
Meet the dedicated leaders who guide our mentorship program and support participants throughout the year.
Melanie Balestro
Mentorship Chair
The ACHE-NJ Mentoring Program connects early careerists to seasoned management to provide a learning opportunity to assist in developing careers in the competitive world of healthcare administration.
Committee Members
Mentorship In-Service Sessions
Our 2025 program features a series of expert-led sessions covering essential leadership skills and professional development topics.
Orientation Program
6:00 – 7:30 PM · Virtual · ACHE-NJ Mentorship Committee
Build Your Brand
5:00 – 6:00 PM · Melanie Balestro & Michael Matos
How to Effectively Coach Emerging Leaders
5:00 – 6:00 PM · Walter Dusseldorp
Leadership On Stage: Mastering Presence, Influence, and Impact
5:00 – 6:00 PM · Matthew Polizzotto
The Culture Advantage: How to Build the Foundation for Success
5:00 – 6:00 PM · Jess Federman
Project Management Fundamentals
5:00 – 6:00 PM · Theresa Partazana
Compensation Workshop
12:00 – 1:00 PM · Shell Bobev
Time Management Mastery and Effective Goal Setting
5:00 – 6:00 PM · Rich Bruno