CareWell Health Medical Center is doubling down on its “fresh start” in Essex County, announcing the appointment of Assad Akhter as its new vice president of Public Affairs.
Akhter, a powerhouse in New Jersey political and health care circles, joins the leadership team at a pivotal moment for the hospital. Following a 2025 transfer of ownership to ECR OPCO, the medical center—formerly known as East Orange General Hospital—is in the midst of a significant operational turnaround.
Akhter brings more than 20 years of high-level experience to East Orange. His resume reads like a map of New Jersey’s power corridors:
- Governor’s office: Most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs under former Gov. Phil Murphy.
- Newark’s University Hospital: Served as Director of Public Affairs during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, successfully securing $108 million in federal CARES Act funding and $300 million in state capital for redevelopment.
- Congressional Experience: Spent over a decade as a senior aide to the late Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr.
- Local Leadership: Served as an elected Passaic County Commissioner.
In his new role at CareWell, Akhter will oversee the hospital’s entire communications and policy apparatus, including government relations, media strategy and community engagement.
The appointment is seen as a major win for CareWell’s new ownership group. The hospital serves as a critical safety net for East Orange and greater Newark, managing roughly 30,000 emergency department visits and 1,200 behavioral health patients annually.
Akhter’s primary objective will be to strengthen the hospital’s partnerships with policymakers to ensure the facility remains a “cornerstone of care” for the next generation.
“My goal is not simply to promote what CareWell Health is today, but to help continue building toward what CareWell Health will be in the future,” Akhter said. “I’m honored to join this team to help strengthen healthcare access and outcomes for the families we serve.”
