MORRISTOWN, NJ – JUNE 5, 2025 – Atlantic Health System proudly welcomes Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE, as its new president and chief executive officer, effective July 30, 2025.

Ehtisham is a distinguished leader who has guided and transformed health care organizations for more than two decades. His expertise in not-for-profit and for-profit health care organizations encompasses acute care operations, strategic planning and market growth, physician engagement, nursing, graduate medical education, financial performance, and philanthropy. Respected for his patient-centric mindset and collaborative partnerships with clinical leaders, Ehtisham looks forward to many new opportunities to advance Atlantic Health’s mission to build healthier communities.

“Patients and families across our region deserve the very best care – cutting edge treatments and therapies that are as accessible, affordable, and convenient as they are healing,” said Laura Ann Kelly, Esq., Board Chair, Atlantic Health System. “After a comprehensive national search, we are delighted to welcome Saad to our broad community and grateful that his thoughtful, seasoned leadership will now guide our talented team.”
Ehtisham currently serves as Senior Vice President & President of Acute Care Operations for Novant Health, an integrated care delivery network with a $10B portfolio, headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Providing more than seven million patient visits each year, Novant Health’s network consists of 19 hospitals, 41,000 employees, and more than 8,600 independent and employed clinicians caring for patients at nearly 900 sites across North and South Carolina.

“I am honored and deeply grateful to be entrusted with the opportunity to lead a renowned health system that is setting standards for health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the New York metropolitan area,” Ehtisham said. “I would also like to recognize and thank Brian Gragnolati for his leadership in advancing patient-centered care at Atlantic Health System and for his exemplary service to the health care industry. My wife, Tracy, and I are looking forward to joining our AHS colleagues.”

The naming of Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE, follows the 2024 announcement from current President & CEO, Brian Gragnolati, of his intention to retire. Since 2015, Gragnolati has led Atlantic Health’s clinical excellence and strategic expansion, successfully navigating the pandemic and a transformative journey to value-based care. His 45-year career has been devoted to patients and caregivers nationwide, including service as Board Chair for the American Hospital Association. Upon concluding his CEO duties at the end of July, Gragnolati will transition to the role of Board Advisor for Atlantic Health System.

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