Date/Time: January 28, 2025 5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: Hackensack University Medical Center, John Theurer Cancer Center Auditorium
An evening of meaningful connections and insightful conversations with a diverse group of executive-level healthcare leaders.
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Perry Farhat
Director of Diversity & Inclusion, RWJUH Somerset
Perry Farhat serves as Director of Diversity and Inclusion at RWJUH Somerset and is also the Administrative Director of the Babs Siperstein PROUD Center and the PROUD Gender Center of New Jersey (RWJUH New Brunswick). The Babs Siperstein PROUD Center is the first primary care facility in New Jersey specializing in the health care needs of the LGBTQIA+ community. During his tenure, the PROUD Center received the NJBIZ HealthCare Heroes Award in “Innovation,” and was honored as the National Association of Social Worker’s 2022 New Jersey Organization of the Year. Perry serves in Governor Murphy’s LGBTQ+ Taskforce and has been included in ROI-NJ’s 2022 and 2023 Healthcare Influencers List, ROI-NJ’s 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Influencer’s List, recipient of the Spirit of Somerset Award in the category of “Health and Wellness,” and Insider New Jersey’s LGBTQ 100 Power List.
Prior to joining RWJBarnabas, Perry served as an Assistant United States Attorney (“AUSA”) at the United States Department of Justice. Perry was assigned to the Government Fraud Unit where he prosecutes various white-collar crimes. Perry also served as the Office’s LGBTQ Special Emphasis Program Manager. Prior to serving as an AUSA, Perry prosecuted a wide-range of criminal cases at the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, also serving as community outreach liaison working with Somerset County’s most vulnerable communities.
Before these posts, Perry clerked for the Honorable Deborah Silverman Katz, A.J.S.C., in Camden. Perry is a graduate of Rutgers Law School, received a Master of City Planning from Boston University. While in Boston, he served as an outreach and advocacy coordinator with the Boston Redevelopment Authority, where he coordinated financial literacy and education programs, free tax preparation and free healthcare enrollment initiatives to Boston’s low- and moderate-income families. Perry obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University–New Brunswick.
Brandee A. Fetherman MSN, RN, CENP, CCRN
Chief Nursing Officer, Morristown Medical Center
Brandee Fetherman brings more than 20 years of extensive nurse leadership to the role of Chief Nursing Officer at Morristown Medical Center. She joined Morristown Medical Center in 2001 and assumed numerous leadership roles in critical care, medicine, trauma and neurology. . As the CNO, she oversees the overall delivery of nursing care, nursing education & professional development, nursing quality and research, and patient flow. Brandee works closely with leaders across all disciplines ensuring MMC’s delivery of extraordinary care through our patient experience program, advances clinical programs and campus growth through master planning.
Brandee’s clinical and administrative experience was critical in leading the medical center through the COVID-19 pandemic. She was instrumental in the transformation of patient beds and units to care for COVID patients, while developing safety protocols to manage staff and non-covid patient care. Most recently Brandee led the clinical team efforts to care for our pediatric population during the ’22-23 pediatric surge epidemic.
Brandee holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Drexel University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ramapo College and received her Diploma of Nursing from The Mountainside School of Nursing. Brandee is also certified in Executive Nursing Practice by AONL.
She currently sits as president elect for the Organization of Nurse Leaders, New Jersey (ONL NJ), a board member for the Morris Educational Foundation (MEF), a member of the following organizations: American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), the American Organization of Nurse Leaders (AONL), the County College of Morris (CCM) Nursing Advisory Board, the Mountainside Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association, and the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society.
Annette Gonzalez DHA, MPA
Chief Operating Officer, Zufall Health
Annette is a health care executive with more than 30 years of experience. She joined Zufall Health as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in May 2023. Dr. Gonzalez’s career includes significant experience serving the health needs of vulnerable communities. Most recently, she was the Associate Executive Director of Ambulatory Care for NYC Health + Hospitals Lincoln in the Bronx, where, like Zufall, many patients identify as Latinx/Hispanic, are best served in a language other than English, and/or are uninsured. In this role, she managed the operation of 47 practices in 17 locations with over 350,000 patient visits annually. She also oversaw the hospital’s HIV services, family planning, and cancer screening programs.
Dr. Gonzalez previously held leadership roles with Memorial Sloan Kettering as well as with Morris Heights Health Center, a Federally Qualified Health Center.
As Zufall’s COO, Dr. Gonzalez is responsible for the processes and systems that ensure smooth patient operations at Zufall’s 14 service locations. She works cross-functionally with clinical, financial, and human resources department leaders and has lead roles in quality, finance, risk, external partnerships, and strategic planning functions.
As a lifelong public servant, Dr. Gonzalez is drawn to organizations committed to advancing health equity and delivering high-quality care to vulnerable communities. Dr. Gonzalez earned her Doctor of Health Administration with a concentration in leadership from Capella University, Master of Public Administration from John Jay College, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Fordham University.
Ramonita Jimenez DNP, MPA, RN, NEA-BC
Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, Hackensack Meridian - Hackensack University Medical Center
Dr. Ramonita Jimenez is a highly accomplished and dynamic executive who oversees nursing operations at New Jersey's largest health system and medical center. As a forward-thinking, visionary, and innovative leader, she has adapted and transformed nursing practices in a rapidly changing healthcare environment, significantly contributing to the organization's strategic priorities. As the Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Jimenez has achieved numerous significant accomplishments. In 2022, she led Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) and the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital to be ranked as the #1 hospital in New Jersey. Additionally, HUMC was the first recipient of the Nursing Lotus Recognition Award from the Watson Caring Science Institute. In 2023, Healthgrades honored HUMC with the 2023 Patient Safety Excellence Award and the America's Best Hospital Award. Furthermore, Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals for 2023 recognized HUMC as the top 15% of facilities out of 414 hospitals. Under her leadership, HUMC received its 7th Magnet Redesignation in 2024, making it the 3rd hospital in the nation to achieve this honor. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Jimenez is actively involved in community service, serving as a small group facilitator and preschool teacher at her church. She has also participated in medical missions and humanitarian work in Mexico and Panama.
Nalin Johri Ph PhD, MPH
Chair of Department of Interprofessional Health Sciences and Health Administration (IHSA)
Nalin is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Interprofessional Health Sciences and Health Administration (IHSA). He also serves as the Program Director for the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program at Seton Hall University (SHU) and teaches several courses, including Healthcare Data Analytics, Research Methods and Statistical Analysis, and Healthcare Policy. In addition to his teaching responsibility, he oversees competency assessment across the MHA program.
Dr. Johri’s work experience includes program development, monitoring and evaluation and program management of maternal and child health and nutrition and prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV programs and spans over 10 years with NGOs such as CARE and EngenderHealth, Francois-Xavier Bagnoud Center at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey as well as consulting with UNICEF as part of the task team to report on progress on the Millennium Development Goals in 2010.
Until April 2013, Dr. Johri was the Impact Evaluation Advisor for USAID’s Palestinian Health Sector Reform Project. From 2017 to 2020, Dr. Johri served as core faculty on Health Policy for the New Jersey Healthcare Executive Leadership Academy. In 2022 he published his first book Health Services Research and Analytics Using Excel. He is a frequent presenter at the Annual Meeting of the Association of University Programs in Healthcare Administration (AUPHA) and has conducted national webinars on competency assessment. He is currently a consulting review editor for the Journal of Hospital Topics, a Site Visitor for Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and serves on the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) Northern New Jersey Regent's Advisory Council.
Jason Kreitner MHA, FACHE
Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health
Jason’s healthcare career has spanned close to 30 years, and his expertise and leadership have earned him various roles throughout his career. Since July 2022, Jason has served in the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Hackensack University Medical
Center. Prior to this role, he was the President and Chief Hospital Executive of Ocean University Medical Center with oversight responsibility of the acute care hospital, acute rehab, hospital, satellite ED, and ambulatory sites.
Jason started his career at Hackensack University Medical Center, where he began as a radiation therapist, and served other Administrative roles such as Vice President of Operations and Senior Operations Officer. Jason has led several innovative programs such as a first-of-its-kind partnership with the US Army Reserve. Established an army/civilian partnership for specialized medical training for our soldiers called HACKENSACK SMART (Strategic Medical Asset Readiness Training). The program has been nationally recognized by the Office of the Surgeon General and due to its success was awarded the Pro-Patria and the 2018 Seven Seals Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
Jason holds a Bachelor of Science from Quinnipiac University and a Masters in Health Systems Administration from Rochester Institute of Technology. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and has served in many leadership roles in ACHE’s NJ Chapter including Chapter president. Jason is also a Fellow of the Advisory Board Company’s Academy Fellowship and is a member of Seton Hall’s MHA Advisory Committee. In 2023 Jason received the ACHE Regent’s Senior Careerist Award for his contribution to healthcare and the college in 2020, the American College of Healthcare Executives recognized Jason with an Exemplary Service Award, and has been a member of past Regents Advisory Councils. Jason is a past recipient of the American College of Healthcare Executives of NJ Regent’s Early Careerist award. Jason was recently recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 83 Community Hospital CEOs to know and has been featured in several Becker's Hospital Review Podcasts on leadership and growth strategies.
Meraz Nasir MSc, FACHE, CISSP, CCSP, CRISC, CISM
Chief Technology Officer, Atlantic Health System
Meraz Nasir leads the strategic direction and execution of technology initiatives across one of New Jersey's premier healthcare networks. With over 15 years of progressive healthcare technology leadership experience, Meraz has established himself as a pioneering force in healthcare digital transformation.
In his role as CTO, Meraz oversees the reliability, resiliency, and security of Atlantic Health System's comprehensive digital infrastructure, supporting multiple hospitals and ambulatory sites. His strategic vision has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge solutions that enhance patient care delivery while maintaining the highest standards of security and operational excellence.
Prior to his current position, Meraz served as Director of Infrastructure at Atlantic Health System, where he spearheaded several transformative initiatives, including the development of the Epic Digital Infrastructure and the deployment of an AI-Enhanced Contact Center. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly noteworthy, as he successfully implemented a secure Telehealth solution that enabled continuous care delivery for both inpatient and outpatient operations.
Meraz holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from The City College of New York and has completed the prestigious Chief Technology Officer Program at Wharton Executive Education. His commitment to healthcare excellence is further evidenced by his Professional Certificate in Healthcare Management from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
A prolific thought leader in healthcare technology, Meraz has authored several influential publications and case studies that showcase innovative solutions in healthcare settings. His recent thought leadership pieces, "Rethinking Cybersecurity in Healthcare: A CTO's Perspective on Infrastructure and Preparedness" and "The Evolving Role of the Healthcare CTO in the Age of Cybersecurity," demonstrate his expertise in navigating the complex intersection of healthcare technology and security. His other notable works include "Atlantic Health System enhances the patient experience with AI-driven networking" and an insightful "Q&A: Challenges, benefits of implementing single sign-on in hospitals." Through his writings and documented technological transformations, Meraz continues to shape the discourse on healthcare technology leadership, particularly in the critical areas of cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and clinical care enhancement.
Mark D. Sparta PT, MPA, FACHE
President & Chief Hospital Executive, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack Meridian Health
Mark is currently the president and chief
hospital executive of Hackensack University Medical Center and serves as executive vice-president of Population Health of the Hackensack Meridian Health
network. Mr. Sparta assumed the roles of president and CHE in 2018 after serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer at Hackensack University Medical Center. From November 2014 to June 2015, he served as acting CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center.
As the President of a $2 billion organization, Mark heads the 781-bed research and teaching hospital with over 8,000 active employees, over 1,600 physicians, currently ranking #1 in New Jersey and among the top 1 percent of all hospitals in the nation – continuing to set a high bar for New Jersey hospitals. Hackensack University Medical Center is the largest provider of both inpatient and outpatient services in the state. Under his leadership, the medical center has seen exponential growth and transformation including construction of one the largest capital projects in the state, a nine-story, 530,000 sq.ft. patient pavilion.
He joined Hackensack University Medical Center in 1988 as a staff physical therapist. As a licensed PT, Mark offers a unique perspective, applying firsthand direct patient care experience to all facets of decision making and strategic development in our mission to provide the highest quality of integrated and human-centered care for our patients and community.
With more than 30 years of healthcare experience, Mark has seen progressive career accomplishments based on a strong clinical foundation, a high regard for quality, perceptive business analysis, effective communication and passionate strategic leadership. He has achieved superior operational outcomes and effective financial management, in a fluid environment of evolving payment methodologies through focused business strategy development and concept-to-execution expertise, including detailed program planning aligned with the organization’s vision and mission.
Mark has been honored with the NJBiz 2020 Healthcare Hero Award, American College of Healthcare Executives Regent's Early Careerist Award, American College of Healthcare Executives Service Award, and a National Finalist for Advisory Board’s Award for Excellence in Healthcare Leadership. Most recently, Mark was included in Becker’s Hospital Review’s 2022 “58 Population Health Executives to Know” list. He holds a BS in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College and an MPA in Health Policy and Management from Seton Hall University. Mark is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is Board Certified in Healthcare Management.
In service to the community Mark sits on several boards including Bergen Volunteer Medical Initiative,
Eastwick College, Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, and the Hudson Farm Foundation.
Kyle Tafuri
Vice President of Sustainability, Hackensack Meridian Health
For over a decade, Kyle has been instrumental in weaving sustainability into the very fabric of Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH), transforming the health system into an industry leader in environmental responsibility.
Under Kyle's leadership, Hackensack Meridian Health and it’s hospitals were the first in the country to receive the Joint Commission Sustainability Certification. The flagship hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center has been recognized as a top 25 green hospital by Practice Greenhealth for nine consecutive years. All of HMH’s hospitals are in the process of implementing 30 MW of on-site solar and battery storage which is the most of any health system in the US. His dedication to green building, sustainable food practices, waste reduction, and responsible purchasing has set a new standard for healthcare institutions nationwide.
Kyle's influence extends far beyond Hackensack Meridian Health. He is a nationally recognized expert and speaker on healthcare sustainability, actively contributing to industry councils and advisory boards like co-chairing the American Hospital Association Sustainability Committee, DOE Better Buildings Healthcare Steering Committee, the Health Care Without Harm Climate Council, and the EPEAT Advisory Council. He also chairs the External Advisory Board for the PSEG Institute for Sustainability at Montclair State University.
Kyle's expertise extends beyond sustainability. He serves as the network's administrative lead for the successful re-designation of our NCI-approved Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium, ensuring the network excels in research, clinical trials, and community outreach. He has also played a pivotal role in shaping Hackensack Meridian Health's COVID-19 response and various strategic initiatives.
Kyle holds an MBA from Monmouth University, an MA in Sustainability Studies from Ramapo College, and a BS in Business Administration from Boston University. His dedication and achievements have earned him recognition from Becker's Healthcare Rising Stars under 40, NJBiz Next Generation of Leaders, NJBiz 40 under 40 list, and GreenBiz 30 under 30.
Lea Tal
CEO, Tal Healthcare
Lea Tal leads her team of executive recruiters, leveraging decades of experience in healthcare recruitment and a passion for forging dynamic professional relationships. She holds a degree in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Lea entered the healthcare industry in 1996, starting out as a recruiter and then quickly working her way up to Vice President. With a proven track record of outstanding client service and successful job placements, Lea decided to open Tal Healthcare in 2006. The company has consistently grown and expanded, now with over 20 employees and multiple divisions including Allied Health, Physicians, Administrative, and Executive Search.
Lea is dedicated to advancing the career paths of healthcare professionals, both inside and outside of the office, by participating in many professional memberships, attending numerous networking events in the tri-state area, and conducting lectures and interview counseling for professionals. She is also very involved in the Young Jewish Professional organization.
Her awards and accolades for outstanding leadership and service are numerous. Lea and her company continue to receive awards and accolades for outstanding leadership and service including Forbes magazine Best Executive Recruiting Firms (2024), Certified Women-Owned Business by WBENC (2024), Healthcare Business Review’s Top 10 Healthcare Executive Search Firms (2022), ), Modern Healthcare Best Places to work (2020), and Crain's NY Business Largest Executive Recruiting Firms. Dedicated to the community, she gives back by participating in events, fundraisers, and projects for many charities and non-profits. Lea attributes her professional success to a strong passion for her field, a powerful work ethic, and consistent networking and relationship building.
Darren H.P. Deoraj
Director for Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Health System
Darren H.P. Deoraj was born and raised in Queens, NY by his mother, grandparents; immigrants from Guyana. Darren currently lives in the Upper Eastside of Manhattan New York and works in New York City. An avid New York Sports Fan; NYM, NYY, NYK, NYG, NYR, tennis player, walker, and traveler. He has served in the healthcare profession for over a decade starting his career at The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai working in The Office of Academic Administration in the capacity of business operations for the Department of Medical Education. Mr. Deoraj joined NYC Health + Hospitals as the Assistant Director of Hospital Operations / Administrator on Duty (AOD) for NYC Health + Hospitals | Coney Island part-time towards the later of his time at Mount Sinai. As the AOD for Coney Island Hospital he was responsible for the afterhours operations of the 377 bed Hospital, all units, and staff, resolving all matters presented during the tour of duty. Mr. Deoraj later joined NYC Health + Hospitals full-time as the Assistant Director and Administrator for Ambulatory Care Services at NYC Health + Hospitals | Gotham Health, Gouverneur. During his tenure at Gotham Health Gouverneur, Mr. Deoraj has managed the operations of ambulatory care Adult Primary Care Medicine, Specialty Medicine, Surgical Services, Podiatric Services, and Neighborhood Health Centers.
Mr. Deoraj returned to the Mount Sinai Health System as Director for The Department of Urology for Mount Sinai Beth Israel, Mount Sinai Downtown Union Square, and Mount Sinai Brooklyn. As the Director of Urology, Mr. Deoraj is responsible for the operations and finances for the service line at the Mount Sinai Downtown. Our services include outpatient, inpatient, ambulatory surgery procedures, general urology, pediatric urology, female urology, sexual function, male urology, infertility, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer/stone/disease, minimal invasive surgery, robotic surgery, telehealth, and home visits. Currently, Mr. Deoraj was promoted to become the System Director of Operations for The Department of Urology managing the operations of all urology services across the Mount Sinai Health System. In this role, he is responsible in supporting the surgical/clinical service line growth, management, alignment, and staffing for programmatic success in all areas of urology. Mr. Deoraj has dual degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Government from The University of Hartford along with a Master of Health Administration degree with honors from Hofstra University.
At Hofstra University, Mr. Deoraj serves as the Co-Chair of the Hofstra Alumni Organization Scholarship and Fundraising Committee, and served as the former Co-Chair of the Career Development Committee. He is the former Past President, President, Inaugural Vice President of the Hofstra University Master of Health Administration Alumni Association. Mr. Deoraj served as the Adjunct Professor and Advisory Board Member for The Master of Health Administration Program at Stony Brook University. At The University of Hartford he services as the Chapter Advisor for the Connecticut Lambda Chapter of The Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Fraternity. Darren Deoraj is the President of Healthcare Leaders of New York, the former President-elect of Healthcare Leaders of New York, the former Chair of the Healthcare Leaders of New York Sponsorship Committee, the former Chair of the Healthcare Leaders of New York Membership Committee, former Secretary for Healthcare Leaders of New York, a former member of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Healthcare Leaders of New York, and is a proud member of HLNY, HEC, and ACHE.
Mr. Deoraj has received the 2014 Hofstra University MHA Student Service Award, 2018 Early Career Healthcare Executive Regent’s Award, and in 2024 the Mount Sinai Department of Urology Outstanding Achievement Award for contributions towards achieving 5000 screened patients for the Robert F. Smith Mobile Prostate Cancer Screening Unit, along within 2024 The Equity of Care Award from The Reset Talk Show.
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