Utilizing nearly two decades of nursing experience, with expertise in hospital operations and staff leadership, Dr. Lori Ann Colineri has excelled as chief nursing officer within the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at JFK University Medical Center. In this capacity, she oversees all nursing care at the hospital, manages the behavioral health section and medical imaging services—including radiography and sonography, supervises pharmacy operations, standardizes nursing practices with other chief nursing officers, and leads the Harold B. and Dorothy A. Snyder Schools of Nursing and Medical Imaging. She also handles all budget management and financial accountability, and collaborates with human resources for all staffing needs.

As a testament to her impactful leadership, Dr. Colineri, since joining the medical center in 2021, has been instrumental in meeting the rigorous hospital standards that culminated in obtaining the Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for the first time, a prestigious recognition for nursing excellence and patient care awarded to only a small percentage of hospitals nationwide. She has also recently been honored with a Legacy Award from the Philippine Nurses Association New Jersey and a Nurse Recognition Award from the New Jersey League for Nursing. In addition, her commitment to nurturing a culture of high-quality patient care is reflected in her pride in the nursing team’s accomplishments and good outcomes for patients and their families. Throughout her career, she has continually emphasized that the heart of nursing lies in serving those who depend on them, making her achievement a tribute not only to her professional journey but also to the compassionate care her team embodies.

Dr. Colineri gravitated toward the field of nursing from an early age, beginning with a deep passion for the sciences and strong desire to care for others throughout high school. Ultimately, it became a dream job, motivated by the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives through selfless service. She joined Hackensack Meridian Health, Inc. in 2007, and advanced to the roles of vice president and chief nurse executive over the next seven years. Bolstering her credentials with a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Monmouth University in 2015, she then became senior vice president and chief nursing officer at RWJBarnabas Health up until her current position. During this time, she earned several accolades from her industry, including a Diva and Don Award from New Jersey State Nurses Association, an Excellence in Global Nursing Leadership and Empowerment Award, and a Richard Hader Visionary Leader Award from Nursing Management.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Colineri chairs the Board of New Jersey with the American Heart Association, Inc. Looking toward the future, she intends to continue her work in clinical and hospital operations leadership, with a gradual transition toward mentoring, consulting, and academic medicine. She also hopes to share her insights on leadership at national conferences and further support the next generation of health care leaders.

On a more personal note, she has been married to her husband, Michael, for more than 35 years. They have three adult children—two daughters and a son—and two grandsons. She considers them her most significant source of fulfillment and favorite way to spend her free time.