During my career I have focused on equality — lobbying to reduce healthcare disparities among urban and ethnic populations — and bringing passion to causes not only of healthcare rights but human rights. These experiences match Deborah’s philosophy, which through its long history has never turned a patient away regardless of their financial situation or race or religion. I am looking forward to my board tenure and helping strengthen and furthering this mission, and helping find both financial and legislative means to continue bringing the most cutting-edge medical care to ALL the residents of New Jersey.

Barbara George Johnson is the Executive Director of The John S. Watson Institute for Public Policy at Thomas Edison State University. Her distinguished credentials include senior positions at MBI-GluckShaw; GOVCONNECTIONS, LLC; the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey; the Department of Health and Human Services; Newark Prevention Marketing Initiative; Family Life Institute (FLI); Fujisawa, USA, Inc.; Merck Sharp & Dohme; and the New York Department of Health. As well, she has served with the Community Law Program; Riker, Danzig, Scherer, Hyland & Perretti LLP; and the Honorable Anthony Iuliani, Essex County Superior Court.

Barbara received her J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law, an MPH from Columbia University, and her BA in Biology and Technology from Cornell University. She has wide media experience, providing expert interviews on a variety of topics affecting public policy, teen sexuality and family planning. A devoted community volunteer, she sits on numerous boards furthering health and wellness in many vulnerable populations. Barbara has also received numerous awards and recognitions for her tireless community service.