PRINCETON – NJHA President and CEO Elizabeth “Betsy” A. Ryan, Esq., recently received the Special Achievement Award from the Healthcare Planning and Marketing Society of New Jersey. 

The award was presented at the society’s annual meeting and awards program Dec. 2, held at the National Conference Center in East Windsor. It recognizes “individuals and organizations who have made unique and innovative contributions to the art and process of health planning, marketing or public relations.”

Ryan, the first woman to lead NJHA as its president and CEO, was named to the post in 2008. She announced in September that she is leaving the Association in 2017. Prior to being selected as CEO she served eight years as NJHA’s chief operating office and general counsel.

During her tenure as CEO, Ryan has guided the state’s hospitals, health systems and post-acute care providers through a dynamic time in the industry, including the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Other accomplishments cited by HPMSNJ included:

• Broadening NJHA’s membership to include not just hospitals and health systems, but also other healthcare organizations including nursing homes, home health, hospice, assisted living and medical schools.
• Leading the state’s hospitals in the Partnership for Patient initiative to improve healthcare quality and patient safety, an effort that has been recognized by the federal government.
• Hiring veteran U.S. service members and training them as health navigators to help fellow New Jerseyans access healthcare services. 

Born and raised in New Jersey, Ryan received her law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University (Cook College). She resides in Florence with her husband Sam Kramer, a retired FBI special agent, and their son.