Hackensack Meridian promotes Esser to SVP of CTS, special advisor to CEO

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Hackensack Meridian Health promoted Kenneth Esser to senior vice president, Care Transformation Services, Behavioral Health, and special advisor to the CEO, the system announced Sept. 19.

Esser joined Hackensack Meridian in October 2018 as vice president, chief of staff, Corporate Services and Governance, Government Relations, and was promoted to senior vice president in that department in January 2020.

According to the promotion announcement, Esser played a key role in the health care provider’s COVID-19 response, “connecting the network to all state and federal officials, securing essential supplies, leading the network’s vaccine rollout and policy development, and providing daily briefings.”

Robert Garrett, Hackensack Meridian Health CEO, called Esser a “proven leader.”

“I am grateful for his continued leadership across the Hackensack Meridian Health network and look forward to his growing impact in New Jersey and the broader health care industry,” Garrett said.

In his new role, Esser will be responsible for overseeing strategic operations of the CTS; developing department performance strategies; improving patient experience and health outcomes; and reducing costs. He will also serve as special advisor to the CEO and will continue to lead the Office of Government Affairs.

Before joining Hackensack Meridian Health, Esser was manager of program growth and strategy for PSE&G; chief energy advisor to former Gov. Jon Corzine; policy advisor for energy and economic growth for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; senior policy advisor for economic growth for the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission; and government relations specialist for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Esser earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Rutgers University.