No. 2: Deborah Visconi

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As president and CEO of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus, Visconi oversees one of the nation’s largest public hospitals. Even more impressive given that when she took up the helm five years ago, the future of the facility was in question—but that all seems to be in the rearview these days.

In the fall, Bergen New Bridge received its second “A” grade for safety in two years in The Leapfrog Group’s seasonal assessment. At the start of the month, it placed first in the state and second nationwide for charity care spending and health outreach programs on the Lown Institute Hospitals Index, which measures social responsibility for U.S. hospitals.

Still, Visconi remains hard at work. As the facility pivots to build on its upswing, she continues to lead transformation at the medical center, elevating care and providing it equitably. Those efforts earned some big backing in February when the Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation pledged $1 million to support services, programs and expansion at the hospital.

As a Latinx hospital leader, Visconi has particular insight into the needs of traditionally underserved communities and prioritizes ongoing outreach to these groups. Last year, Bergen New Bridge received a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2022 Healthcare Equality Index, an assessment of the equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. Visconi’s efforts have led to the creation of the only LGBTQIA+ health center in northern New Jersey; multi-cultural long-term care services for Muslim, Korean and Asian Indian patients; and more.

To reach patients where they are, Bergen New Bridge also opened several satellite locations to deliver care. And it’s pioneering new pathways. This year it became the first in the state to launch a new prescription drug program for New Jersey employers that offers the chance to dramatically reduce the cost of prescription drug expenses.

“Our partnership with Rescription is another example of how we continue to lead the way as early adopters of forward-thinking solutions that benefit our communities,” Visconi said when the program was announced.

The clinical affiliate of Rutgers has forged partnerships with other key players both across the state – such as the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and the NJ Reentry Corp. – and beyond its borders, including efforts to look for potential answers to impending (and present) nursing shortages with CareRev. And her prowess extends beyond state borders; in 2022, Visconi was named one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare and at the start of this year she was tapped for an appointment to the Felician University’s board of trustees.