West Orange, NJ, February 24, 2025–RWJBarnabas Health, the largest, most comprehensive academic health system in New Jersey has appointed Thomas Burke, MBA, BPharm, as Chief Administrative Officer for Clara Maass Medical Center, effective Monday, February 24.
In his new role, Burke will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the hospital and work closely with other senior leaders to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of exceptional, patient centered care and safe, high-quality access and outcomes.
“Tom has extensive experience driving growth and operational excellence and has a deep understanding of the evolving healthcare market,” said Tom Biga, Executive Vice President and President, Northwest Region for RWJBarnabas Health. “I am confident that his skills will serve Clara Maass Medical Center and RWJBarnabas Health well as we continue in our journey to deliver quality, compassionate care to our communities.”
Burke’s career includes 25 years of operational and clinical leadership experience in large matrixed and academic health care systems. Most recently, he served as President of the Hartford Market at Trinity Health of New England, leading St. Francis Hospital (Level 1 Trauma Center and teaching hospital), Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital, and integrated facilities. During his tenure, the healthcare system was awarded seven consecutive “A” Hospital Safety Score ratings by the Leapfrog Group, awarded IBM Watson Top 15 Teaching Hospital status nine times, and named to IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals list amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to Trinity Health of New England, Burke worked in healthcare operations leadership roles at organizations like Prospect Medical Holdings in California, Waterbury Hospital in Connecticut, and Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic - Saint Mary Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
A Registered Pharmacist in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, Burke graduated with a Bachelor of Science from University of the Sciences (Philadelphia College of Pharmacy & Science) and received his Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. He serves as a board member of the Connecticut Science Center, and previously MetroHartford Alliance and the Connecticut Health Council.
About RWJBarnabas Health
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 43,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
Contact: Carrie Cristello
Carrie.Cristello@rwjbh.org