Robert “Bob” Mulcahy III (left) and Judith Persichilli, R.N. (right)
GCU Board Members Bring Higher Education, Healthcare, Athletics, Technology, and Law Expertise
Robert “Bob” Mulcahy III, one of New Jersey’s most involved and longest-serving public officials, is the new chair of Georgian Court University’s Board of Trustees. He is joined by former nurse-turned-healthcare executive Judith Persichilli, R.N., as co-chair of GCU’s governing board.
“Together, their commitment to improving the lives of those in New Jersey and beyond spans decades. Georgian Court is sure to benefit from their leadership,” said GCU President Joseph R. Marbach, Ph.D.
A Wealth of Experience
“Bob and Judy bring a wealth of strategic experience to higher education at a time when innovation is sorely needed,” Dr. Marbach said. “They are well versed in what it means to address steep challenges, seek opportunities and implement change—all focal points for Georgian Court.”
Mr. Mulcahy, who currently serves as chair of the Casino Reinvestment Redevelopment Authority in Atlantic City, began his public career as a Mendham councilman and mayor. In the early 1970s, he joined the state’s human services department. In 1976, Governor Brendan Byrne named him New Jersey’s first corrections commissioner, and within days of taking the job, Mr. Mulcahy helped diffuse a volatile hostage situation at the former Rahway State Prison.
Two years later, the Villanova University graduate was named president of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority. He managed the Meadowlands for 19 years before joining Rutgers University in 1998 as athletics director. Over the next 10 years, he raised the football program’s national profile and helped bolster its endowment. He has been a GCU trustee since 2012.
Mrs. Persichilli has managed multiple roles throughout her career as well. She earned a diploma from the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing before completing degrees at Rutgers and at Rider University. She began her career as a nurse at St. Francis Medical Center, and moved into finance and management positions before becoming CEO. In 2003, she joined Catholic Health East (CHE) as an executive vice president and became its top executive in 2009.
The Pennington resident led the historic 2010–2013 merger of CHE and Trinity Health. Combined, the newly formed hospital system spanned 21 states, 82 hospitals, 89 continuing care facilities, and had an annual operating revenue estimated at $13.6 billion.
Today, the retired executive remains president emerita of the consolidated organization, and holds leadership roles with the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute, Trenton Catholic Academy, and the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia, among others. She has been a GCU trustee since 2014.
New Trustees Reflect Range of Industries, Backgrounds
“As board leaders, Bob and Judy have the benefit of working with a broad range of talented trustees,” Dr. Marbach said. “They include several new members who are joining Georgian Court as we explore new possibilities for programs and new ways to meet the needs of students.”
New trustees include:
Michele Teresa Aronica, RSM, Ph.D., a career educator and professor of sociology at St. Joseph’s College (Standish, ME) and vice president of the Northeast Community of the Sisters of Mercy, GCU’s sponsoring order.
Madeline Ferraro, J.D., vice president for government and public affairs for Atlantic Health System, brings extensive experience in legislative and regulatory matters, as well as policymaking, state and federal appropriations, and corporate strategic giving.
Monsignor R. Vincent Gartland, a former high school educator at St. Joseph High School and St. Mary High School, who served congregations at St. James, St. Raphael, and St. Justin the Martyr before being named pastor of St. Ann Parish in Lawrenceville. Msgr. Gartland was also a university chaplain (Rider) and though now retired, continues to serve area parishes.
Kathleen P. Hickey, an NCAA compliance expert and senior associate athletics director at Rutgers University.
David S. Kountz, M.D., MBA, FACP, vice president of academic affairs for Jersey Shore University Medical Center, co-chief academic officer for Hackensack Meridian Health, and a graduate of GCU’s MBA program. In addition to practicing medicine, he has taught at Hahnemann University Hospital, Temple University Hospital, Jersey Shore, and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Mary Maples, J.D., associate counsel for the Office of Governor Chris Christie and a former lawyer for the Central Intelligence Agency’s Office of Security, Office of Congressional Affairs, CounterTerrorism Center, and Administrative Law Division.
Dele Oladapo, chief information officer and vice president, information systems, for Prudential Financial, Inc.; his expertise spans law, compliance, business ethics and external affairs.
Edward J. Smith, president and founder of Barnegat Bay Capital Inc., a consulting and corporate advisory form that focuses on corporate governance and investment banking. He brings more than four decades of experience from roles as Shearson Lehman Bros.; Merrill Lynch; Kidder, Peabody & Co.; and Prudential Securities.
