Atlantic Health Celebrates Longstanding Trustee Service to Patients and Caregivers

Atlantic Health, a healthcare system serving Union County and across New Jersey, is recognizing four longstanding Board of Trustees members who have completed their service: Immediate Past Chair Robert E. McCracken, Vice Chair Richard W. Herbst, Dr. John F. Vigorita, and Dr. Grant Parr.

"As a nonprofit healthcare system dedicated to our charitable mission, Atlantic Health relies on the strategic leadership and governance of trustees who generously volunteer their time and talent in support of our patients and caregivers," said Laura Ann Kelly, Chair of the Atlantic Health Board of Trustees. "We are endlessly thankful for leaders like Bob, Dick, John, and Grant, who choose to give back by advocating for healthier communities and safeguarding the well-being of generations to come."

Robert E. McCracken transitioned to Immediate Past Chair in May 2025 after four successful years as Chair. Since joining the Board in 2011, McCracken advanced Atlantic Health's mission with a focus on quality and patient safety. Formerly Chair of Newton Memorial Hospital and the Newton Medical Center Advisory Board, McCracken is a former owner and president of Smith-McCracken and Wood Funeral Homes. He continues his service through his role on the Board of Directors of Provident Financial Services, Inc.

"Throughout his remarkable career of selfless service, Bob McCracken has distinguished himself as a role model for leadership and altruism," said Saad Ehtisham, President and CEO of Atlantic Health. "We are grateful for his tireless commitment to supporting New Jersey's diverse communities and the people who live and work within them. Thanks to his vision for the future of healthcare and unwavering faith in our workforce throughout his Board service, Bob lifted Atlantic Health to new heights."

Union County Life covers Atlantic Health initiatives, healthcare leadership, and Overlook Medical Center serving Summit and Union County residents.

Richard W. Herbst first joined the Atlantic Health Board in 2005. After briefly stepping away in 2017, he rejoined as a trustee in May 2018 and became Chair of the Board's Audit & Compliance Committee in 2019. President of the private investment firm Roundtable Investment Partners, LLC, Herbst contributed expertise in finance, investment, mergers and acquisitions, and enterprise risk management. His background includes a former role as Managing Director at JPMorgan and 18 years as a Partner at Goldman Sachs & Co.

Dr. John F. Vigorita joined the Board in 2017 and served on the Governance and Finance & Investment Committees. His connection to Atlantic Health began decades earlier when he completed his pediatrics residency at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center in Summit and founded Summit Pediatric Associates, launching a 30-plus year clinical career serving the region's children. Dr. Vigorita contributed his talents as President of the Overlook Medical Staff, Atlantic Health's Medical Director of Mission Development, and Chair of Bio-ethics Oversight. His leadership of accountable care organizations including Optimus Healthcare Partners and Vista Health System has strengthened high-quality physician networks across New Jersey while reducing costs.

Dr. Grant Van Siclen Parr joined the Board in 2017, 29 years after performing the first open-heart surgery at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center. A board-certified thoracic surgeon, Dr. Parr performed two open-heart surgeries that day and played an integral role in creating the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, which today operates the largest heart program in New Jersey. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Parr contributed to medical education through 18 years of teaching positions at Columbia University. His trustee service included membership on the Quality, Medical Staff Leadership & Development, and Audit & Compliance Committees. He also devoted six years supporting patients and caregivers on the Board of the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center and remains active in community engagement as Vice Chair of the Morris Township Parks and Recreation Foundation and Trustee for the Land Conservancy of New Jersey.

These four leaders represent the depth of commitment that nonprofit healthcare governance requires. Their collective service spans decades of dedication to patient care, organizational excellence, and community health across New Jersey.

Atlantic Health continues its mission of providing exceptional care to patients and supporting caregivers across the healthcare system's facilities and communities.

For more information about Atlantic Health and its mission, visit the health system's website or contact Overlook Medical Center in Summit.

Stay informed about Atlantic Health news and healthcare developments serving Union County on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: Who are the departing Atlantic Health Board of Trustees members?
A: Four trustees completed their service: Robert E. McCracken (Immediate Past Chair), Richard W. Herbst (Vice Chair), Dr. John F. Vigorita, and Dr. Grant Van Siclen Parr. All served for multiple years contributing strategic leadership and governance.

Q: How long did Robert E. McCracken serve as Board Chair?
A: McCracken served as Board Chair for four successful years before transitioning to Immediate Past Chair in May 2025. He joined the Board in 2011 and focused on quality, patient safety, governance, and executive leadership.

Q: What was Richard W. Herbst's background before joining Atlantic Health?
A: Herbst is President of Roundtable Investment Partners, LLC. He previously served as Managing Director at JPMorgan and was a Partner at Goldman Sachs & Co. for 18 years, contributing expertise in finance, investment, and risk management.

Q: Who is Dr. John F. Vigorita and what is his connection to Atlantic Health?
A: Dr. Vigorita completed his pediatrics residency at Atlantic Health Overlook Medical Center in Summit and founded Summit Pediatric Associates, launching a 30-plus year clinical career serving regional children. He served on the Board's Governance and Finance & Investment Committees.

Q: What is Dr. Grant Van Siclen Parr known for?
A: Dr. Parr is a board-certified thoracic surgeon who performed the first open-heart surgery at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center 29 years before joining the Board. He played an integral role in creating the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, which operates the largest heart program in New Jersey.

Q: Where is Atlantic Health's Overlook Medical Center located?
A: Overlook Medical Center, part of Atlantic Health, is located in Summit, Union County, New Jersey. It serves patients throughout Union County and the region.

Q: How did Dr. Parr contribute beyond clinical work?
A: Beyond his surgical practice, Dr. Parr taught at Columbia University for 18 years, served on the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center Board, and remains active in community engagement as Vice Chair of the Morris Township Parks and Recreation Foundation and Trustee for the Land Conservancy of New Jersey.

Q: What is Atlantic Health's mission?
A: Atlantic Health is a nonprofit healthcare system dedicated to providing exceptional care to patients and supporting caregivers across New Jersey. The system relies on strategic leadership from volunteer trustees to advance its charitable mission.

Q: Who is the current Chair of the Atlantic Health Board?
A: Laura Ann Kelly, Esq., is the Chair of the Atlantic Health Board of Trustees. She leads the board's governance and strategic direction.

Q: Who is the President and CEO of Atlantic Health?
A: Saad Ehtisham serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Health, overseeing operations and fulfilling the health system's mission.