For Immediate Release
June 29, 2007
Contact: Michael Valentino
732-751-7538
mvalentino@meridianhealth.com

MERIDIAN HEALTH WELCOMES JUDGE ALEXANDER LEHRER TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP POSITION

Former Monmouth County Prosecutor and Retired State Superior Court Judge to Oversee Insurance and Risk Management for Region's Leading Not-for-Profit Health Care Provider

Neptune, NJ - Alexander D. Lehrer has been appointed as senior vice president and Chief Risk Officer for Meridian Health effective August 1, 2007. Meridian is one of the state's leading not-for-profit health care providers which encompasses Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, as well as assisted living communities, long term care and rehabilitation centers, occupational health and physician practices throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.

In this position, Lehrer will oversee risk management and insurance policy, direct safety education initiatives, and manage insurance and liability programs for the health system. He will have responsibility for identifying and addressing potential safety, operational, and financial issues throughout the organization to support Meridian's ability to provide the best environment for patients, physicians, and staff.

"Over the last three decades, Al Lehrer has been a dedicated leader and public servant for our community, and so we are incredibly pleased to welcome him to the Meridian Health family," says John K. Lloyd, FACHE, president of Meridian Health. "He brings a high level of experience, perspective, and leadership that will advance our mission to provide the very best care for our patients."

"I have enjoyed the tremendous privilege to serve Monmouth County both as a prosecutor and a judge and am excited by this new opportunity to continue serving this community through the great work of Meridian's hospitals and health care services," says Lehrer. "There is nothing more important than the health of our community, and so I look forward to working with Meridian's physicians, clinicians, and staff in advancing Meridian's service to patients and families."

For the last five years, Lehrer has been the Presiding Judge for the Chancery Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey for Monmouth County, dealing with the management and resolution of complex civil cases. Prior, he served as Malpractice Managing Judge in the Civil Division for nine years and Presiding Judge for the Family Division of the Superior Court, all based in Freehold.

Before being appointed to the court, Lehrer served a five-year term as Monmouth County Prosecutor, where he served as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer for the County, responsible for over 30 assistant prosecutors, 55 investigators, and more than 100 support staff, as well as overseeing 53 municipal police departments.

Lehrer completed his undergraduate education at the University of Connecticut and earned his Jurist Doctorate from University of Notre Dame. He began his law career in 1969 as a clerk in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, where 19 years later, he would serve as presiding judge. He also was in private law practice in Monmouth County for eight years prior to being appointed the County prosecutor. He currently resides in Manasquan.

About Meridian Health
Meridian Health is a family of not-for-profit health care organizations comprising Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, and Meridian Partner Companies that include home care agencies, long-term and assisted living communities, ambulatory care, ambulance services, and occupational health located throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Meridian Health is a nationally recognized leader in clinical quality and excellence, was the first health care organization in the nation to achieve the prestigious Magnet designation for its nursing staff at each of its partner hospitals, and has been named one of the best places to work in New Jersey for two consecutive years. For more information, please visit meridianhealth.com.

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