Three VNA Health Group Leaders Honored as 2026 NJBIZ Health Care Heroes
VNA Health Group is proud to celebrate three team members recognized as 2026 NJBIZ Health Care Heroes for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to improving health outcomes across New Jersey.
The NJBIZ Health Care Heroes Awards recognize excellence, promote innovation, and honor individuals and organizations making a significant impact on the quality of health care throughout the state. Honorees were recognized during an awards ceremony held on June 23 at The Marigold in Somerset.
“We’re incredibly proud to have three members of our leadership team recognized as NJBIZ Health Care Heroes in a single year,” said Christopher Rinn, President and CEO of VNA Health Group. “Sahai, Alex, and Shannon bring passion and a deep sense of purpose to their work every day, and the impact they have on our patients and families speaks for itself. Congratulations to all three on this well-deserved honor.”
This year, three VNA Health Group leaders were selected for recognition across multiple categories:
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Sahai Cole, MS | Public Health
Sahai Cole, MS, Vice President of VNA Health Group’s Children and Family Health Institute (CFHI), received recognition in the Public Health category.
For nearly three decades, Sahai has managed public health programs in various roles. Through her recent leadership role at VNA, she oversees more than 25 grant-funded programs, including Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Nurse-Family Partnership, Home Visitation, and NJ Integrated Care for Kids, thousands of families across New Jersey receive coordinated care and resources that help them navigate pregnancy, early childhood, and complex health needs.
Last year alone, more than 54,000 parents and children relied on CFHI programs, including more than 32,000 families who received nutrition support through WIC, and more than 8,000 children connected to specialized services and care coordination.
Alex Binder, MBA | Health Care Professional
Alex Binder, MBA, Vice President of the Parker Advanced Care Institute and Home-Based Primary Care at Visiting Physician Services, was recognized in the Health Care Professional category.
Under Alex’s leadership, Visiting Physician Services has expanded to serve more than 3,800 patients across eight counties, bringing physicians and advanced practice providers directly into patients’ homes. Many of the patients served are homebound, elderly, or living with complex medical conditions that make accessing traditional healthcare settings difficult.
By expanding access to high-quality, home-based primary care, Alex has helped ensure patients receive ongoing support for chronic conditions, medication management, and preventive care while remaining in the comfort of their homes. This approach helps improve quality of life, reduce avoidable hospitalizations and emergency department visits, and support family caregivers.
Shannon Preston, MSW, LSW | Innovation
Shannon Preston, MSW, LSW, Director of Public Health Initiatives at VNA Health Group and the Prevention Resource Network (PRN), was recognized in the Innovation category.
Shannon leads efforts to expand harm reduction and HIV prevention services for individuals who may face barriers to accessing care. Under her leadership, PRN has expanded mobile outreach services throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties, connecting individuals to HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and other critical health resources.
In 2025, Shannon oversaw the launch of Monmouth County’s first 24/7 harm-reduction vending machine in Asbury Park, providing free, anonymous access to naloxone, wound care supplies, safer-use kits, and other overdose-prevention resources. She also serves on the New Jersey Department of Health Advisory Council on HIV, STIs, and Viral Hepatitis, helping inform public health strategies and expand access to prevention and care services throughout the state.
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VNA Health Group congratulates Sahai, Alex, and Shannon on this well-deserved honor and thanks them for their continued commitment to advancing healthcare and improving lives across New Jersey.
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