NEWS
June-Ann Garafano Named Chief Human Resources Officer for Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
February 5, 2025
Offering extensive healthcare-related HR background to further enhance the employee experience and Catholic mission
New Brunswick, N.J. – February 5, 2025 – Saint Peter’s Healthcare System, the parent company of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, is proud to announce the appointment of June-Ann Garafano, MS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, as vice president and chief human resources officer. Garafano is a seasoned leader in the field of human resources with 25 years of extensive strategic experience with an emphasis on employee engagement, recruitment, and retention.
Prior to joining Saint Peter’s, Garafano served as ministry chief human resources officer for Trinity Health of New England’s physician enterprise medical group and St. Mary’s Hospital in Connecticut. Trinity Health, based in the Midwest, is one of the largest Catholic health systems in the country, spanning across 27 states. She previously held human resources leadership roles at All in Behavioral Health with locations in New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania as well as Virtua Health System and the former Kennedy Health System, both in South Jersey. Garafano has also enjoyed a successful career in industries outside of health care such as consulting, banking, and insurance.
“We are thrilled to welcome June-Ann Garafano to Saint Peter’s. Her extensive experience leading human resources in health care, coupled with her deep understanding of Catholic-based institutions, will be invaluable as we continue our mission to provide compassionate, high quality care to the communities we serve. June-Ann’s leadership and strategic vision will help strengthen our organization and further enhance the experience of our employees and the patients who depend on our services,” said Leslie D. Hirsch, FACHE, president and CEO of Saint Peter’s Healthcare System.
Garafano earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and business administration from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, and a Master of Science degree in human resource management from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. She is a Senior Certified Professional from the Society for Human Resource Management and the Human Resource Certification Institute.
“I am excited to join Saint Peter’s Healthcare System at such a pivotal time in its growth,” said Garafano. “Saint Peter’s values of compassion, integrity, and service to the community deeply resonate with my personal principles. I look forward to working alongside the talented team here to support our Catholic mission. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our employees and those we serve.”
About Saint Peter’s Healthcare System
Saint Peter’s Healthcare System Inc., parent company of the Saint Peter’s healthcare delivery system, is comprised of Saint Peter’s University Hospital, a 478-bed acute-care teaching hospital and state-designated children’s hospital and regional perinatal center that includes a nationally renowned Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Saint Peter’s Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital; Saint Peter’s Health and Management Services Corp.; the CARES Surgicenter; and Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, a network of primary and specialty care physician practices. Saint Peter’s is a regional specialist in cancer care, diabetes, geriatrics, orthopedics, and head and neck surgery and is a sponsor of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Saint Peter’s is sponsored by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Metuchen and is a major clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences. Visit saintpetershcs.com or call 732-745-8600.