Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital, has promoted CJ Cruz to Vice President of Operations. He will be responsible for ambulatory services and support areas at the 343-bed hospital, including Laboratory Services, Pharmacy, Diagnostic Imaging, Special Procedures, Rehabilitation Services, Maintenance, Food and Nutrition, Environmental Services, Patient Transport, Security, Construction Services, Clinical Engineering, Supply Chain Operations, Corporate Care, Center for Wound Healing, Emergency Management, Pastoral Care, Volunteer Services and Gift Shop.
“CJ has had a vital role in managing the 24/7 operations of our hospital, which cares for more than 15,000 inpatients and 134,000 outpatients each year,” said Deirdre A. Blaus, Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset. “He oversaw the most significant construction on our hospital campus in nearly 20 years and led our operational response during the COVID-19 pandemic, including managing our vaccine clinic and health screeners. In his new role, he will continue to ensure that we provide a safe, comfortable environment to deliver the highest quality patient care.”
Cruz has held operational leadership positions at RWJUH Somerset since 2020, first as Director of Operations and Safety Officer and then as Administrative Director of Operations. He joined RWJUH Somerset in 2017 as Manager of Clinical Engineering Support Services. He previously worked for six years as a biomedical engineer in the Clinical Engineering Department at RWJUH in New Brunswick.
Cruz obtained his bachelor’s of science degree in biomedical engineering from Rutgers University and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Capella University School of Nursing and Health Sciences. He is certified as a Six Sigma, Lean DFSS Green Belt.
In 2023, Cruz was recognized by Somerset County Business Partnership as one of its “40 Under 40” honorees. In addition, he serves as a member of the board of directors of RideWise, Inc.