VNACJ Community Health Center Names Former NJ Department of Health and Longtime Healthcare Leader Christopher Rinn as CEO

Former Acting Health Commissioner for New Jersey and Monmouth County Resident Christopher Rinn will Assume CEO Duties on October 15

HOLMDEL, New Jersey (October 5, 2018) – The VNACJ Community Health Center, Inc., a strategic affiliate of the nonprofit organization Visiting Nurse Association Health Group’s Children and Family Health Institute, has announced that Christopher Rinn will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on October 15, 2018.

In his new role Christopher will oversee all areas of the Community Health Center for at-risk and high-need families in the communities served. The Community Health Center serves people of all ages and backgrounds for primary care, prenatal and dental care. Rinn will oversee the opening of the new Freehold Family Health Center, the VNACJ Community Health Center’s fourth site, expected to open early 2019. The site will also serve as the headquarters for VNA Health Group’s Children and Family Health Institute.

A graduate of Columbia University, Rinn has nearly 30 years of experience in the public health sector. Most recently, Rinn was appointed by Governor Christie as the Acting Health Commissioner for New Jersey in November 2017. As Acting Commissioner, Rinn completed the successful integration of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services from the Department of Human Services, one of the largest governmental reorganizations in decades.

Prior to serving as Acting Commissioner, Rinn was the Assistant Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Health, Division on Public Health Infrastructure, Laboratories and Emergency Preparedness. For nearly eight years in this role, he was instrumental in providing leadership and stability to critical public health programs that safeguard public health in New Jersey and save lives.

Tom Thees, Search Committee Chair and Interim Executive Director, and Lynn Miller, Chairman of the Board of the VNACJ Community Health Center, made the announcement to staff Thursday.

“In our comprehensive search, we were looking for someone with a proven track record of success and a true passion for public health,” said Steven Landers, MPH, MD, President and CEO of VNA Health Group and member of the Search Committee. “We have found that and more in Christopher. Under his leadership, we look forward to elevating our CHC services and securing our position in NJ to be able to serve the community for years to come.”

“As a healthcare and public health professional for 28 years, I look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to the CHC programs to ensure that all New Jersians have access to quality of health services,” said Rinn. “Furthermore, I look forward to learning from a talented team of employees and helping them thrive.”