Report: Persichilli will retire as Health commissioner

Judith Persichilli will retire in August after four years as Commissioner of Health, the Star-Ledger reported today.

Known as the “woman who needs no introduction” – that’s how Gov. Phil Murphy introduced her at the start of televised press conferences and events during the global pandemic – Persichilli frequently served as a calming influence on the public and a target of Murphy’s political opponents.

“Judy’s unwavering dedication to public service during one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history will be remembered with sincere appreciation and gratitude,” Murphy said on Twitter.  “Grateful for her tireless efforts to advance the health & well-being of New Jerseyans.”

In 2022, the Department of Health’s Trenton headquarters became the “Judith M. Persichilli Building.”

“Commissioner Persichilli has been an invaluable advisor and partner over the past several years, helping our state navigate the many challenges of an unprecedented pandemic,” Murphy said at the dedication of the building. “Her composure and dependability as she led the Department of Health and kept residents informed alongside me during countless COVID briefings has made the name ‘Judy Persichilli’ ubiquitous throughout our state.

Murphy has not yet designated Persichilli’s successor.

It’s common for governors entering their final two years in office to promote from within. That could put either of the three deputy commissioners – Deborah Hartel, Robin Ford and Sejal Hathi – on the shortlist, along with Andrea Martinez-Mejia, the chief of staff. But no names have emerged from the governor’s office. Murphy is unlikely to prioritize a candidate who can win Senate confirmation; term-limited governors are frequently satisfied with offering cabinet posts on an acting basis.

Persichilli became commissioner in August 2019, replacing Shereef Elnahal, who became president and CEO of University Hospital, positions Persichilli held on an interim basis.
The full Senate confirmed Persichilli in January 2020, less than two months before the state saw its first case of COVID-19.

Prior to joining state government, Persichilli had served as president and CEO of Catholic East Hospital, and as CEO of St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton.

She was the first registered nurse to hold the Health Commissioner post.

She took office shortly after the death of her husband of 43 years, former Pennington Mayor Anthony Persichilli.