Listen to this article

Following the retirement of Deborah Heart and Lung Center‘s longtime president and CEO, Joseph Chirichella, the Browns Mill-based teaching hospital tapped Jim Andrews as its new leader.

Andrews has over two decades of experience in health care leadership, as well as a track record of driving strategic growth, enhancing patient care and fostering innovation. He began Sept. 9 as president and CEO, the hospital said in a press release.

Prior to joining Deborah, Andrews spent eight years at RWJBarnabas Health. During his time there, Andrews served as a senior vice president of cardiac services before becoming a senior vice president of cardiac & neurological services.

His background also includes various administrative posts at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Andrews holds a master’s degree in health care leadership from Brown University. He received a bachelor’s in business management & information systems from Babson College.

The next chapter

Commenting on his new role, Andrews said he was “honored and excited” to join Deborah.

He went on to say, “Deborah has a storied history of excellence in cardiovascular and pulmonary care and I am committed to leading this incredible institution into its next chapter of growth and innovation. I look forward to working with the talented team at Deborah to continue delivering exceptional care to our patients and community.”

Deborah announced Chirichella’s plans to retire in February. The organization added its board had retained global executive search and leadership consulting firm Spencer Stuart to find a replacement.

Chirichella stepped down at the end of August. He will now assume the role of president emeritus, according to Deborah.

Barbara George Johnson, chair of the hospital’s board of trustees, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the Deborah family. Jim is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of healthcare and a commitment to patient-centered care. We are confident that under his leadership, Deborah will continue to build on its legacy of excellence.”

Founded in 1922, Deborah specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, research and treatment of heart, lung and vascular diseases. Since then, it has treated more than 2.3 million hearts from every corner of the U.S. and 87 countries.

More executive moves in the industry:

• 30-year RWJUH Rahway president and CEO to retire
• Valley Health names new leader as longtime CEO transitions roles
• 3 NJ health care companies bring on new CEOs