The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute announced today the appointment of three of the state’s most influential figures to its Board of Directors: Dr. Frank A. Ghinassi, Elizabeth Maher Muoio and Heather Howard.
The appointments bring together top-tier expertise in mental health systems, state finance and public policy at a time when the Quality Institute is intensifying its focus on health care affordability and the strengthening of New Jersey’s behavioral health infrastructure.
“Each brings a powerful perspective at a critical moment for New Jersey’s health care system,” Linda Schwimmer, president and CEO of the Quality Institute said. “Their leadership will help us advance our mission to improve safety, quality, and affordability.”
Ghinassi joins the board as one of the country’s foremost experts in mental health and addiction services. Currently serving as the president and CEO of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC) and senior vice president at RWJBarnabas Health, Ghinassi oversees one of the nation’s largest behavioral health systems.
His addition is expected to supercharge the Quality Institute’s efforts to integrate mental health services into the broader healthcare continuum, a primary goal for the organization in the wake of the national mental health crisis.
Muoio transitions to the board following an historic eight-year tenure as New Jersey State Treasurer (2018–2026), making her the longest-serving Treasurer in over half a century.
Muoio’s deep knowledge of the state’s $58 billion budget is a strategic gain for the Institute. Crucially, she previously oversaw the State Health Benefits Program, the largest public purchaser of healthcare in New Jersey. Her insight into how large-scale purchasers can drive market value will be central to the Institute’s work on healthcare sustainability and employer-led value initiatives.
Howard, a former New Jersey commissioner of Health and Senior Services, returns to the board after a one-year hiatus. Currently a Professor at Princeton University, Howard directs the State Health and Value Strategies program, where she advises states across the U.S. on health equity and innovation.
Howard’s unique ability to bridge academic research with actionable state-level policy makes her a key asset as the Institute champions evidence-based best practices and legislative solutions.
The appointments come as the Quality Institute continues to manage high-impact statewide programs, such as the Mayors Wellness Campaign, which partners with over 400 New Jersey mayors to drive community health.
