Atlantic Health System announced it named a new president and chief executive officer to step into the role that will become vacant when Brian Gragnolati retires effective July 30.
Saad Ehtisham, who has guided and transformed health care organizations for more than two decades, currently serves as Senior Vice President & President of Acute Care Operations for Novant Health, an integrated care delivery network with a $10B portfolio, headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
“Patients and families across our region deserve the very best care – cutting edge treatments and therapies that are as accessible, affordable, and convenient as they are healing,” Laura Ann Kelly, Esq., board chair, Atlantic Health System said. “After a comprehensive national search, we are delighted to welcome Saad to our broad community and grateful that his thoughtful, seasoned leadership will now guide our talented team.”
“I am honored and deeply grateful to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead a renowned health system that is setting standards for health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area,” Ehtisham said. “I would also like to recognize and thank Brian Gragnolati for his leadership in advancing patient-centered care at Atlantic Health System and for his exemplary service to the health care industry. My wife, Tracy, and I are looking forward to joining our AHS colleagues.”
In joining the New Jersey-based health care system, Ehtisham will bring to bear his previous experience from around the nation.
He formerly served as senior vice president for the Greater Charlotte Region and President of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, where he achieved significant growth and recognitions for clinical excellence from U.S. News & World Report and The Leapfrog Group. Prior to his roles with Novant Health, Ehtisham served as senior vice president & system Chief Operating Officer at Central Florida Health, where his strategic planning and operations expertise resulted in bond rating upgrades and substantial cost savings.
Ehtisham has previously held leadership roles at Health Management Associates, Inc. in Tennessee, serving as CEO for its University Medical Center. He also formerly served as senior vice president of Clinical Operations & Chief Nursing Officer for Via Christi Wichita Hospitals & Clinics in Kansas.
Ehtisham earned a Doctor of Health Administration from Central Michigan University and graduated from Texas Woman’s University with a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Healthcare Administration, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Baylor University.
