No. 10: Cathleen Bennett

Since 2017, Bennett has served as CEO of New Jersey Hospital Association, the nonprofit trade group representing New Jersey’s hospitals, health systems and other health care providers. In the role, she oversees the Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey, a not-for-profit affiliate that promotes continuing education, patient safety, quality improvement and research; and the for-profit Healthcare Business Solutions, which provides group purchasing and other business solutions for health care providers.

She has led the NJHA into broader areas such as social determinants of health — an issue that became even more salient during the pandemic — pursuing the goal of improving the health of the state’s residents. Before taking her position at NJHA, Bennett served as New Jersey’s 20th Health Commissioner, beginning Aug. 3, 2015. She knows the hospital business inside and out – a strong resumé at a critical time for the sector.

Bennett’s combined experience with health care providers and public health has been invaluable in leading the state’s provider community during the COVID-19 public health emergency. She has been a force in supporting NJHA’s membership in critical areas such as infection prevention and safety protocols, surge planning, ensuring safe return of elective procedures and vaccination.