West Orange, NJ March 5, 2025—RWJBarnabas Health, the largest, most comprehensive academic health care system in New Jersey, has named Christopher James as Senior Vice President for Public Policy and External Affairs. In this role, Mr. James will assist with overseeing RWJBarnabas Health’s public policy and external affairs strategy, including engagement with federal, state and local stakeholders, and the development and execution of key government relations priorities.
Reporting to George Helmy, Executive Vice President, Chief External Affairs and Policy Officer at RWJBarnabas Health, Mr. James will work with leaders across the system to support public policy and external affairs efforts across RWJBarnabas Health.
“Chris has established himself as a trusted and effective leader in government affairs, with a deep understanding of New Jersey’s policy landscape,” said Helmy. “His experience, leadership and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission, strengthen key partnerships and advocate for the patients and communities we serve.”
As a strategic leader in government affairs and public policy, Mr. James has more than two decades of experience across government, policymaking and community engagement, especially noted for his natural mediation and negotiating skills. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Government Affairs for RWJBarnabas Health. Previously, Mr. James served as Executive Director of the New Jersey State Democratic Committee and held senior leadership roles as Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman and House Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver in the 34th Legislative District and Assemblyman Craig A. Stanley in the 28th Legislative District.
Mr. James currently serves as East Orange Council President Emeritus and is actively engaged in civic and community leadership, including serving as a member of the NJ Legislative Black Caucus Foundation, President Emeritus of NJ Shares, Newark Alliance, WBGO and the Devils Youth Fondation. In 2024, he was recognized by ROI-NJ as an Influencer: People of Color.
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 providing care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate 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 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org
Media Contact:
Carrie Cristello
Carrie.Cristello@rwjbh.org