HMH names Esser SVP, chief of staff for Government Relations

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Hackensack Meridian Health on Tuesday named Kenneth Esser senior vice president, chief of staff, Corporate Services and Governance, Government Relations.

With this promotion, Esser will now have oversight, with the chief marketing officer, of Hackensack Meridian Health’s internal and external communication strategies. In addition to being responsible for central coordination of activities for the office of chief executive officer, Esser will also serve as the liaison to the board of trustees.

Esser joined Hackensack Meridian Health in October of 2018. Over the past year, he assumed responsibility for Government Affairs and played a significant role in securing funding for Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine at Seton Hall University. He also led the launch of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Take Vape Away campaign.

“This promotion is well-deserved. Kenny has proven himself to be an outstanding leader,” said Robert Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are fortunate to have him as part of the network’s leadership team and look forward to continuing our journey to transform health care in New Jersey and beyond.”

Prior to joining Hackensack Meridian Health, Esser was the manager of program growth and strategy for PSE&G where he led the development and implementation of the organization’s utility of the future strategy.

Esser was a senior associate with Gabel Associates where he advised clients on energy investment opportunities. His experience also includes serving as chief energy advisory for the Office of the Governor and a policy advisor for Energy and Economic Growth for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.