The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) announced its 2026 “Best at the Beach” honorees, a group of 11 health care leaders and programs selected by their peers for exceptional contributions to the state’s medical community.
The flagship annual event, scheduled for July 9 on the Long Branch beachfront, will be headlined by a posthumous tribute to Sister Jane Frances Brady, SC, who will be honored with NJHA’s highest distinction: the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sister Jane, who passed away in January 2026 at the age of 90, spent nearly three decades at St. Joseph’s Health in Paterson. After joining as an administrative assistant in 1966, she rose to become president and CEO in 1972, a position she held with distinction.
Sr. Jane was a visionary who championed “population health”—caring for entire communities—decades before it became a standard industry pillar. Her advocacy in Trenton and her global missions through “Healing the Children” left an indelible mark on New Jersey’s health care policy.
“Sister Jane Brady was the epitome of servant leadership – and that’s a quality you’ll see across every one of our honorees,” NJHA President and CEO Cathy Bennett said. “New Jersey is nationally recognized for healthcare excellence, and that distinction is fully on display among these exceptional people.”
The 2026 awards also shine a light on specialized care and innovation. Dr. Vincent Barba, Chief Medical Officer at Matheny Medical and Educational Center, will receive the Distinguished Service Award for his work with children and adults facing complex developmental disabilities.
The full roster of individual and program honorees includes:
- Legacy of Care Award: Diann Johnson, RN (RWJBarnabas Health)
- Digital Trailblazer Award: Linda Reed, RN (St. Joseph’s Health)
- Emerging Leader: Kelly Murphy, RN-BC (Hackensack Meridian Health)
- Health InnoVision Award: Usman Shah, MD (Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center)
- Healthy New Jersey Award: Virtua Health’s Oliver Station Community
- Clinical Excellence Award: Matthew Ostroff, APRN (St. Joseph’s Health)
- Excellence in Patient Experience: Shore Medical Center’s Retired Physicians ED Navigator Program
- Inspired Aging Award: Trinitas Regional Medical Center / RWJBarnabas Health’s Transitions of Care Program
- Connect Award: RWJBarnabas Health Food Access and Nutrition Initiative
The “Best at the Beach” ceremony serves as New Jersey’s premier summer gathering for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community advocates. The event underscores the collaborative effort required to maintain New Jersey’s status as a national leader in clinical outcomes and patient safety.
