2017 Honorees
Daniel J. Messina, Ph.D., FACHE, became President and Chief Executive Officer of Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), a clinical affiliate of the Mount Sinai Health Network in April 2014.
Dr. Messina, a life-long resident of Staten Island, is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of healthcare leadership experience. During his tenure as President and CEO of Richmond University Medical Center, Dr. Messina has continued the expansion and integration of the medical center’s primary and behavioral care networks, formed its own Individual Provider Association (IPA), enjoyed continued success in its Accountable Care Organization (ACO), Richmond Quality, LLC, and partnered in the Staten Island Performing Provider System (SI PPS) as part of New York State’s Medicaid Redesign (DSRIP) program. Under Dan’s leadership, the medical center is currently planning the construction of a new emergency trauma department. The medical center has also launched its first school-based clinic at Susan E. Wagner High School, a robust expansion of its immediate care and school-based network.
Prior to joining Richmond University, for 13 years he served as the System Chief Operating Officer of CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold, New Jersey, where he was responsible administratively for all System Operations for the Medical Center, Monmouth Crossing Assisted Living Facility, The Manor Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Applewood Estates Continuing Care Retirement Community. While in this role, Dr. Messina developed growth strategies that included a new Cancer Center, and programs in Robotics, Bariatric and Neurosurgery; as well as a new state-of-the-art 26-bed Critical Care Unit, a 49-bed Emergency Department, and the development of an 180,000 sq. ft. Ambulatory Campus. Additionally, Dr. Messina developed the Linda E. Cardinale MS Center, one of the largest and most comprehensive MS Centers in the region – leading to a fundraising event that has generated over $3 million.
Dr. Messina received his BS in Health Science/Respiratory Care from Long Island University Brooklyn, and his MPA in Healthcare Administration from LIU-Post and his Ph.D. in Health Sciences and Leadership at Seton Hall University where he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Health and Allied Sciences. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Wagner College. He is a former regent for New Jersey for the American College of Health Care Executives, is Board Certified in Healthcare Management as an ACHE Fellow, and has served on several ACHE committees including the Journal of Healthcare Management.
Dr. Messina previously served as Trustee on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the New Jersey Chapter, where he served as Chairman, and the Alumni Board of Trustees at Seton Hall University. He is a former trustee of the VNA Health Group of New Jersey, where he served as Chairman of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee, and a member of the Policy Development Committee of the New Jersey Hospital Association. Dr. Messina, currently, serves as a Board Member of Healthcare Association of New York State, the Greater New York Hospital Association as well as the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation. He also is a member of Regional Policy Board II of American Hospital Association.
Dr. Messina has been honored by various organizations for his service to the community, including Seton Hall University’s “Many Are One” award, the American College of Healthcare Executives Senior, Early and Distinguished Service Awards, New Jersey Women Against MS, CentraState Auxiliary and the Staten Island CYO. He has also been recognized by the Wagner College DaVinci Society, St. Phillip’s Baptist Church, Have a Heart Foundation, and the Meals on Wheels of Staten Island. He has been inducted into the New Dorp High School Hall of Fame.
Dan is an active hiker, including summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mont Blanc, and has completed nine NYC Marathons. He lives in Staten Island with his wife Debra and they are the parents of two children, Daniel and Lianne. His drive and motivation comes from his loving parents, Rose and Sal, and how they, together with Dan, battled his Mom’s MS. He accepts this honor on behalf of his late parents.
Erica Krauss, of Hearts & Science, is a 12-year media veteran, having worked with leading clients including Kraft, Sprint, Eli Lilly and Proctor & Gamble. While her average day may be spent placing advertising for clients, Erica has also put those skills to use for charitable causes near and dear to her heart. She hopes to inspire her children, Eli and Jonathan, and others to use their passion as a means to help others