Murphy taps interim health commissioner

Gov. Phil Murphy appointed Jeff Brown as acting health commissioner Wednesday after the previous commissioner accepted an interim hospital leadership role. 

Brown serves as the deputy commissioner for health systems at the New Jersey Department of Health. He will replace Kaitlan Baston, who will take over as interim CEO of University Hospital in Newark.

“Jeff Brown is a tested public servant who has spent his career working to uplift New Jersey’s health care infrastructure, and I am thrilled that he will serve as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Health,” Murphy said in a release. “Through his advocacy and leadership, Jeff has played an important role in ensuring New Jerseyans have a trusted public health system and access to high-quality health care.”

Baston, a physician, had led the state Department of Health since July 2023; she replaced Judith Persichilli, who retired after four years in the cabinet.

As deputy commissioner of health systems, Brown oversaw inspections and regulatory enforcement at thousands of health care facilities and programs.

“It is an honor to serve as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Health. I thank Governor Murphy for entrusting me with this position,” Brown said. “I look forward to maintaining the Department’s commitment to protecting public health, improving the quality of health care, and supporting the delivery of critical services to promote healthy New Jersey communities.”