PRINCETON – Elizabeth A. Ryan, Esq., president and CEO of the New Jersey Hospital Association, received the Burlington County Light of Hope award at Catholic Charities’ 26th Annual Guardian Angel Dinner Dance Oct. 3 at the Hyatt Regency Princeton.
The Light of Hope Award recognizes those who provide support and commitment to Catholic Charities’ work on behalf of the poor and vulnerable. Awards are given in each of the four counties covered by Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton: Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean.
“What stands out most for me is, whether it be counseling, addiction treatment services, behavioral health services, housing or just plain basic needs, Catholic Charities has been there to assist a number of people in my county,” said Ryan, who resides in Florence, Burlington County. “I am honored and deeply humbled to receive this award but believe that the people and communities receiving the great work of Catholic Charities are the true ‘lights of hope.’”
NJHA is a not-for-profit trade association representing New Jersey’s hospitals and other healthcare providers that provides leadership on quality and patient safety, education and advocacy in Washington, D.C., and in Trenton. As president and CEO, Ryan oversees not only NJHA, but also the Health Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey, a not-for-profit affiliate that promotes patient safety, quality improvement, education and research, and the for-profit Healthcare Business Solutions, which provides group purchasing and other business solutions for healthcare providers.
Prior to joining NJHA, Ryan served with the American Hospital Association, the New York Health and Hospitals Corp. and in the administration of Gov. Jim Florio. She received her law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University (Cook College). She resides in her hometown of Florence with her husband and son.
“I got involved with Catholic Charities for two reasons: First, my parents, Bill and Clare Ryan, who taught me many things, always emphasized the importance of giving back to your community if you were able,” said Ryan. “And second, I have always respected the important work and values of Catholic Charities. Giving back to the community can have a real impact.”
