Helmy joining RWJBarnabas in executive role

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George Helmy wrapped up his final days as Gov. Phil Murphy’s chief of staff, his next destination emerged:  the state’s largest academic health system.

On Sept. 29, RWJBarnabas Health announced the appointment of two new executive leaders to its team – Helmy as executive vice president, chief external affairs and policy officer and Marcie Ordowich as chief operating officer for the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group.

Earlier in September, the governor’s office announced that Helmy would stepping down as chief of staff at the end of the month. He has served in the role since 2019 and played a critical role in helping the governor achieve legislative goals, managing the pandemic response and more.

In this new post, Helmy will oversee RWJBarnabas Health’s interactions with all federal, state, and local governments, governmental agencies, and associates – managing regulatory issues and developing and executing cross-divisional governmental relations strategies. He will also serve as a key senior strategic advisor on policy matters as well as the health system’s relationship with key external stakeholders.

In a statement announcing the hirings, Mark Manigan, president and chief executive officer for RWJBarnabas Health, said that he could think of no more respected policy leader in the region than Helmy. “And we are incredibly pleased to have him join our team,” Manigan said. “His depth of knowledge on a wide variety of issues facing our state is unparalleled, and we recognize that his contributions to advancing our mission of service to our patients and community will be significant.”

Governor Phil Murphy and Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way wished Helmy well as he embarked on this next chapter.

“You cannot write the history of this administration without recognizing George’s deep commitment and leadership over the past four-and-a-half years,” Murphy said. “George undoubtedly made New Jersey a better place for its 9 million residents.”

Murphy cited Helmy’s “unique mix of public and private sector experience, strong management skills, and significant relationships across the state,” which the governor says will allow him to succeed in any role.

“He is thoughtful, strategic, and kind-hearted, but also tenacious in advocating for those who too often have been left out and left behind,” Way said. “His leadership improved the lives of millions of New Jerseyans. I wish him nothing but success in his next chapter.”

In introducing Ordowich, RWJBarnabas Health said she brings more than 17 years of experience as an innovative and collaborative health system executive to her new role. She most recently served as vice president, service line operations at Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, where she led pivotal initiatives.

“We welcome Marcie to the organization and know that her rich experience in complex academic health systems will help us achieve our goals of positioning our medical group as leaders not only in New Jersey, but nationally,” said Manigan.