Salem Township Hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer Alex Nazarian says outgoing President/CEO Kendra Taylor leaves the hospital in a strong position.
Nazarian who came to the hospital two years ago as Chief Financial Officer is also proud of the work he has been able to accomplish in turning the hospital around financially.
Nazarian says it was that investment in time and a desire to extend his leadership role that was behind his decision to seek the CEO position.
“We are a strong organization. Kendra has done a great job. The foundation and staffing are strong. The leadership is strong. Our infrastructure is up to date and we don’t have outdated equipment or anything. You can compare us with some of those big hospitals in big urban areas. Everything is strong and my job will be to not only keep us strong but keep us on that path and trajectory to provide good, quality health care.”
Nazarian says the hospital will have to grow to continue to provide the best service to the community.
“We have been at the forefront of finding out what our patients want or the potential patients need which is unavailable to them within a reasonable distance from their residences and are forced to go elsewhere. So we find those services and once we identify we look for any providers that can provide those services to the patients and whether we can bring them to practice at our hospital.”
Nazarian cites the New Beginnings program for Seniors and the expanded dietary services as examples of those services and the hospital’s commitment to wellness programs to hopefully keep people out of the hospital. He reports the effort will also continue to search for new doctors who will fit into the Salem community.
Nazarian says he finds Salem a great place to live, with affordable housing, good amenities that have been very welcoming to him.
The hospital will now search for a new Chief Financial Officer, but in the meantime, Nazarian will hold both positions. He officially takes over as CEO on July 17th. Taylor officially leaves the hospital on July 16th for a position outside of hospital administration.