West Orange, New Jersey, July 2, 2025 – RWJBarnabas Health, the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, is pleased to announce the appointment of Hilary Nierenberg, RN, ANP, MS, MPH, FACHE, as the new Senior Vice President of the Heart and Vascular Service Line. In this role, Nierenberg will support the development and implementation of RWJBarnabas Health’s strategic vision for heart and vascular care, ensuring its successful execution across all regions of the state.
With over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in large, complex health systems, Nierenberg is a proven strategist in care delivery model development, clinical operations coordination, and service line growth. She has a distinguished record of building and leading multi-disciplinary teams that prioritize high-quality, patient-centered care.
“Hilary’s expertise in cardiovascular care leadership, combined with her strategic approach, will help elevate our Heart and Vascular Service Line to new heights,” said Conor Barrett, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, Heart and Vascular Services, RWJBarnabas Health. "Her guidance will further our commitment to providing patient-centered, high-quality heart and vascular care to the communities we serve in a compassionate and equitable manner while fostering a best-in-class work environment for our team.”
Prior to joining RWJBarnabas Health, Nierenberg served as Director of Cardiovascular Care Transformation Services at Hackensack Meridian Health, where she led significant growth initiatives, physician recruitment efforts, and the expansion of heart and vascular services. She also held leadership positions at Lenox Hill Hospital, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia, and Mount Sinai Health System.
A Registered Nurse and Adult Nurse Practitioner, Nierenberg holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science from Columbia University and a Master’s in Public Health from Columbia University’s School of Public Health. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
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