RWJBarnabas Health on Monday announced the appointment of Frank Giantomasi to its Board of Trustees. In a concurrent move to preserve the legacy of its foundational leadership, the health system has posthumously named former Board Chair Marc Berson as Trustee Emeritus.
The transition marks a pivotal moment for the organization as it balances a tribute to its history with a strategic eye toward the future of health care in the Garden State.
The health system paused to recognize the indelible mark left by Berson. A titan of Newark’s resurgence, Berson was instrumental in the very birth of RWJBarnabas Health. As Board Chair, he was a fierce advocate for “health outside the hospital walls,” championing social impact initiatives and community-based wellness.
“Few leaders have had the impact of our late friend and trustee, Marc Berson,” Mark Manigan, president and CEO of RWJBarnabas Health, said. “His legacy and spirit guide us still, and this honor [Trustee Emeritus] will ensure they always will.”
Giantomasi joins the system-wide board with a deep familiarity with the organization’s mission. Since 2008, he has served on the Board of Trustees for Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBI), taking over the chairmanship from Berson in 2019.
A prominent real estate attorney and co-chair of the Executive Committee at CSG Law, Giantomasi brings four decades of expertise in development and complex commercial transactions. His influence extends into the public sector, having served on the gubernatorial transition teams for both Gov. Phil Murphy and Gov, Mikie Sherrill.
“Frank’s career of service building a stronger economy for our state… aligns with our long-held mission of building and sustaining a healthier New Jersey,” noted Manigan.
The appointment comes at a time when RWJBarnabas Health is focused on quality improvement and strategic growth. Susan Reinhard, Chair of the RWJBarnabas Health Board of Trustees, described Giantomasi as a “true ambassador” for the system’s team and patients.
For Giantomasi, the new role is a continuation of a career dedicated to community stability and responsible growth.
“I have centered my career on strengthening communities,” Giantomasi stated. “I’m honored to help advance the system’s mission of improving the health and well-being of our communities across New Jersey.”
