[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 49 (Thursday, April 21, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. JOHN PETILLO, PRESIDENT OF UMDNJ

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                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2005

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. John Petillo 
on his inauguration as the third president of the University of 
Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. UMDNJ has been a vital resource 
for the people of New Jersey for more than 30 years. Comprised of eight 
schools on five campuses, a behavioral health network, and Newark's 
University Hospital, UMDNJ provides world-class education to practicing 
and future healthcare professionals and scientists, including 
physicians, dentists, researchers, nurses, and scores of allied and 
public health professionals. With more than 13,000 employees, UMDNJ is 
the eighth largest employer in New Jersey. There are nearly 19,000 
UMDNJ alumni, the overwhelming majority remains in New Jersey. It is 
estimated that the University's health care and educational programs 
touch the lives of two million persons yearly.
  Dr. Petillo brings many strengths and talents to this important 
appointment. He has enjoyed an extensive career in the corporate, 
nonprofit, academic and theological fields. He has served as the chief 
executive officer for several national corporations, chancellor for 
Seton Hall University, and as a member of the board for many nonprofit 
foundations.
  More recently, Dr. Petillo served as the first president and chief 
executive officer of the Newark Alliance, a nonprofit organization 
composed of representatives from private and civic groups whose shared 
goals is to improve the educational opportunities and economic 
redevelopment in Newark.
  Prior to joining the Newark Alliance, Dr. Petillo was chief executive 
officer at Tribus Companies, Care Advantage, Inc., and Blue Cross Blue 
Shield of New Jersey. As president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of 
New Jersey, Dr. Petillo was influential in eliminating the reserve 
deficit and replacing it with a reserve surplus. During his tenure he 
advocated legislation requiring all health insurance carriers to 
underwrite individual policies regardless of medical histories.
  In addition to serving leadership roles with corporate organizations, 
Dr. Petillo has also served as chancellor of Seton Hall University and 
the Archdiocese of Newark. While chancellor and chief executive officer 
at Seton Hall, Dr. Petillo was credited with completing the first 
development campaign in the institution's history and significantly 
increasing the residential student capacity. He also succeeded in 
achieving competitive salaries for the full time faculty, expanded 
institutional research, and with faculty consensus and monitoring 
instituted merit compensation.
  In June 2003, Dr. Petillo was appointed Chairman of the Board of 
Trustees of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey by 
Governor James E. McGreevey. In June 2004, Dr. Petillo assumed the 
responsibilities of Interim President of UMDNJ. The Board of Trustees 
named Dr. Petillo University President on November 16th, 2004. Dr. 
Petillo has a Ph.D. in Counseling and Personnel Services from Fordham 
University, an M.A. in Counseling from Seton Hall University and an 
M.P.A. from Rutgers University.
  Under Dr. Petillo's stewardship UMDNJ is embarking on a new chapter 
in its history--proud of its accomplishments and focused on its future 
as a leader in health sciences research, education, and healthcare. 
UMDNJ and the State of New Jersey are fortunate to have the benefit of 
Dr. Petillo's leadership. I look forward to many more accomplishments 
made possible through the University's considerable intellectual 
capacity and fulfillment of its community service mission.

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