The woman who needed no introduction as she helped lead the Garden State’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic is retiring next month from her post as New Jersey’s top public health official.

Commissioner of Health Judith Persichilli will depart from the position she took on in 2019, then in an interim capacity, replacing Dr. Shereef Elnahal who became president and CEO of University Hospital. The news was first reported by NJ.com.

Persichilli was confirmed by the full Senate for the job in January 2020. Not long after, she found herself at the center of the pandemic fight and became notorious for sitting beside Gov. Phil Murphy during the his daily press conferences throughout the throes of COVID-19, providing updates, guidance and advice.

After announcing his intent to do so in 2021, Murphy dedicated the New Jersey Department of Health Building in honor of her service to the people of New Jersey – particularly during the pandemic – unveiling its new name last September: the Judith M. Persichilli Building.

“Commissioner Persichilli has been an invaluable advisor and partner over the past several years, helping our state navigate the many challenges of an unprecedented pandemic,” said Murphy at the time. “Her composure and dependability as she led the Department of Health and kept residents informed alongside me during countless COVID briefings has made the name ‘Judy Persichilli’ ubiquitous throughout our state. This building will serve as a reminder of the illustrious career of ‘the woman who needs no introduction,’ both as a leader in the health care sector and as New Jersey’s distinguished Commissioner of Health.”

“To say I am overwhelmed and humbled by this honor is an understatement,” Persichilli said last year. “This building will reflect the hard work and commitment of all who have worked throughout the pandemic and our commitment to public health.”

Prior to leading the department, Persichilli served as the acting chief executive officer of University Hospital in Newark. Before that, she was president emerita of CHE Trinity Health, the health ministry formed in May 2013 by the consolidation of Catholic Health East and Trinity Health of Livonia, Mich. She previously served as interim president and CEO of CHE Trinity Health. Prior to that appointment, Persichilli was president and CEO of Catholic Health East.

While the Murphy Administration did not release an official announcement of commissioner’s upcoming retirement, the governor did tweet in response to the initial report, confirming the news.

“Judy’s unwavering dedication to public service during one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history will be remembered with sincere appreciation & gratitude,” Murphy tweeted. “Grateful for her tireless efforts to advance the health & well-being of New Jerseyans.”

“Congrats to Commissioner Persichilli on her well-deserved retirement! Judy’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond leaves a legacy that will continue to improve the health and safety of our residents,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin tweeted. “It’s been an honor to serve with her and I wish her all the best.”

Not surprisingly, the congratulations, acknowledgements, and well-wishes have been flying in from around the state as the news has spread.

“Judy was the steady hand and calm voice we needed during the worst public health crisis of our lifetimes. She faced the pandemic head-on and provided guidance and support to our industry as we worked to care for a frightened and ailing population,” said Cathy Bennett, president and CEO, New Jersey Hospital Association, in a statement. “Judy’s leadership went far beyond COVID-19. She prioritized maternal health, mental health, and the opioid epidemic – crises that have touched so many of us and our families. The membership of the New Jersey Hospital Association and I wish Judy all the best and thank her for her tireless service to the state.”

“Judy is a dear friend and a trusted colleague who has been a true servant leader during her long career in healthcare,” said Deborah Visconi, president and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, in a statement. “She led the Department of Health during one of the most challenging times the healthcare community has ever faced with true dedication to the health and wellness of every resident in the State of New Jersey. I am grateful for all she has done for healthcare in this state, and I will miss working with her and wish her the best in her retirement.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:38 a.m. July 26, 2023, to include information about Persichilli’s potential successor.