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HAMILTON: RWJ Hamilton CEO to step down in 2014

Anthony “Skip” Cimino announced Wednesday he will step down as president and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in 2014.

by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
HAMILTON — Anthony “Skip” Cimino announced Wednesday he will step down as president and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton in 2014.
   With his announcement a national search will commence to ensure a smooth transition for the operations of the hospital, according to a hospital press release.
   Mr. Cimino will step down “sometime during 2014,” according to the release, but will continue in his role until a successor is in place.
   ”When I first stepped into the job as CEO of RWJ Hamilton, I originally thought I would be in the role for no more than a year. I am now approaching my fifth anniversary in the job and I have been in discussion with the leaders of the RWJ Health System and members of the Hamilton Board to begin planning for an orderly leadership transition,” Mr. Cimino said in the release.
   Mr. Cimino began his involvement with the hospital 26 years ago, and joined the board of directors in 1988, serving as chairman and vice chairman during his tenure.
   He was named president and CEO in June of 2009 and under his leadership, RWJ Hamilton has grown to become a regional leader across numerous clinical services including emergency medicine, oncology, orthopedics and women’s services, according to the release.
   ”One of the achievements I am most proud of is the advancement of physician relationships and alignment with the hospital,” Mr. Cimino said.
   Lynne Cannon, Chairwoman of the RWJ Hamilton Board of Directors said, “Skip Cimino became president at a critical juncture in our hospital’s history, and it is because of his vision and skill that this organization enjoys the strength it now does.
   ”He is a true transformational leader who has positioned RWJ Hamilton for a tremendous future,” she added. “We are grateful for all that he has accomplished on behalf of our patients, physicians, community and employees.”
   Stephen K. Jones, president of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson Health System, shared similar sentiments.
   ”Skip is a tremendous asset not only in the Hamilton community, but for the entire Robert Wood Johnson Health System and the state,” Mr. Jones said. “His commitment to ensuring a smooth transition and staying actively engaged with our continued growth shows what type of leader he is.”
   Dr. Shariq Afridi, president of the medical staff, who has partnered with Mr. Cimino throughout his tenure described him as a “remarkable CEO.”
   ”The physicians appreciate his leadership style which includes the important traits of transparency and respect,” Dr. Afridi said. “We will miss his leadership, but continue that legacy.”
   According to the release, during his tenure Mr. Cimino led a financial turnaround of the hospital positioning it for the challenges of healthcare reform.
   In addition, by further integrating with the RWJ Health System and the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, advancing the relationships with physicians and community leaders, Mr. Cimino was able to invest in quality and service initiatives, the hallmark of RWJ Hamilton.
   During his tenure the hospital also opened a pediatrics emergency center with the help of a successful capital campaign, addressing a pressing community need.