By Bill Parry
Elmhurst Hospital Center has a new boss.
Israel Rocha, Jr. was appointed chief executive officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst last week. His expertise is in hospital operations, legislative affairs and federal and state funding programs, according to officials.
“His knowledge of the workings of the federal government make him an important addition to our team as we confront policy shifts in Washington and work toward building more support for our essential public health care system,” Dr. Ram Ranju, president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals, said. Rocha ran a comparable hospital in Edinburg, Texas, and worked for 10 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and while he is a south Texas native, he is familiar with New York City, having graduated from Columbia University.
“I am so excited to be back in New York City where I first prepared for my career and to join NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst during a time of positive transformation in the public health care system,” Rocha said. “While we are facing challenges, the opportunities to better serve this very diverse neighborhood and provide the best possible patient experience is energizing. I hope to lend my expertise in building support for the important mission we serve and making community connections to grow our reach and spread wellness.”
Rocha replaces Chris Constantino, who retired earlier this year.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
