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The basics:

• Kristy Alfano will become Hunterdon Health interim CEO July 1
• Alfano succeeds Patrick Gavin, who retires June 30
• Incoming leader has worked at Hunterdon Health for 25+ years
• Gavin led the system through COVID-19, growth, facility expansions

With President and CEO Patrick Gavin’s announced retirement effective June 30, Hunterdon Health has revealed the promotion of Kristy Alfano to succeed him at the helm of the independent health care system.

Alfano will become president and CEO July 1. The latest elevation builds on a more than 25-year career at the Flemington facility. Since 2023, she has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

The Hunterdon Health Board of Trustees revealed the transition June 8. According to the announcement, Gavin detailed plans to retire earlier this year.

A Hunterdon County native as well as current resident, Alfano was born at Hunterdon Medical Center, according to the provider. In a statement, she said she is deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity.

“More importantly, I am deeply committed to advancing Hunterdon Health’s mission, supporting our dedicated physicians, nurses, and staff, and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional care to those who depend on us,” she continued. “Together, we will remain focused on serving our community, meeting evolving healthcare needs, and strengthening our organization for the future.”

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The incoming executive began her career as a nurse at Hunterdon Medical Center. Since, she’s assumed roles of escalating responsibility and oversight within the system. Her  experience also includes time as director of the Intermediate Care Unit, director of patient care experience, director of the Emergency Department and assistant vice president of clinical operations.

Alfano is also active in the community. She is an alumna of the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Hunterdon program’s inaugural class of 2012. Additionally, she became a County Chamber board member this past May.

Alfano holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Master of Science in nursing with a focus on healthcare administration. She also completed a fellowship through the Advisory Board focused on healthcare.

Ready for the next chapter

Gavin expressed confidence in his successor, noting, “Hunterdon Health is now at a pivotal point of strength, perfectly positioned to enter its next chapter.”

Opened in 1953, the 178-bed teaching hospital also boasts a network of more than 30 primary and specialty practices across Hunterdon, Somerset, Mercer, Warren and Morris counties.

According to a statement from Hunterdon Health Board Chair Dr. K.C. Rondello, Gavin worked closely with the group to develop the transition plan. “With strong leadership in place, we expect a smooth transition,” Rondello said.

Over the past eight years, Gavin led Hunterdon Health through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The system has maintained an “A” grade for safety from the Leapfrog Group since 2020 (including in the latest report released this spring). The system also secured approval for elective angiop0lasty services under Gavin. He also drove physical expansions, including enhancing the Emergency Department and renovations to its Lambertville Health Campus.

“For nearly four decades, I have had the privilege of serving in executive leadership roles at a half a dozen remarkable healthcare organizations,” Gavin said, adding he shared plans with the board to retire as planned at the end of his current contract.

“Leading Hunterdon Health and working alongside you each day to safeguard our community’s health over the years has been both a privilege and a joy,” the outgoing CEO stated.