Jersey City, NJ — In a powerful tribute to service and commitment, Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital, honored 230 employees and four retirees at its annual Outstanding Service award Program on May 12. Held at Maritime Parc on the Hudson River waterfront, the event celebrated those who have dedicated between 5 and 40 years to advancing healthcare and supporting the community.
Collectively, the honorees represent more than 3,000 years of service — a reflection of the loyalty and heart that define the culture at Jersey City Medical Center.
“Once again, we came together to celebrate the remarkable individuals who truly embody the heart and soul of Jersey City Medical Center. This year’s honorees are exceptional professionals whose dedication, expertise, and compassion form the foundation of our excellence. Their unwavering commitment to patient care, innovation, and teamwork not only defines who we are as a healthcare institution but also transforms lives throughout Hudson County, strengthens our community, and advances our mission to provide world-class care. The dedication, service, and passion is most appreciated — their impact is immeasurable" said Michael Prilutsky, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jersey City Medical Center.
The ceremony, led by Mary Cataudella, Vice President of Human Resources, blended recognition with reflection. As each honoree crossed the stage, attendees were reminded of the year they joined JCMC through fun facts and cultural moments—from the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA title to the economic snapshots of 1984. The program, which included dinner and dancing offered lighthearted nostalgia while highlighting the passage of time and the strength of institutional memory.
The evening also honored four retirees whose combined service spans more than a century:
- Victoria De Chirico, Director of Infection Control (35 years)
- Kezia Danda, Patient Care Technician (32 years)
- Willie Dawson, Patient Access Representative (40 years)
- Maryann Uy-Villa, Registered Nurse (25 years)
"When we think about the legacy of Jersey City Medical Center, it lives in the people who show up, year after year, to serve with empathy and excellence," said Cataudella. "This event is about honoring that kind of impact."
About Jersey City Medical Center
Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health hospital, is Healing, Enhancing, and Investing in Hudson County. It is a comprehensive full-service acute-care 352-bed teaching hospital. A not-for-profit hospital, the Medical Center is a state-designated Level II Regional Trauma Center with over 17,000 admissions and 100,000 Emergency Department visits annually. The hospital specialty services include women’s health, orthopedics, heart and vascular care, and behavioral health. JCMC is the only full-service heart hospital in Hudson County, offering access to outstanding cardiologists and sophisticated and advanced treatments, such as cardiac surgery and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacements (TAVR). RWJBarnabas Health and Jersey City Medical Center offer comprehensive, advanced oncology services in Hudson County in partnership with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the state’s only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Jersey City Medical Center is an American Heart Association Gold Plus and DNV-certified Primary Stroke Center. It is a regional comprehensive cardiac center, a perinatal intensive care center, a regional level 3 neonatal intensive care unit for critically ill newborns, and home to the most advanced robotic-assisted surgical program in Hudson County. JCMC, a provider of Advanced Life Support for Hudson County, runs 911 Medical Call Screening for Hudson County and operates one of the state’s busiest EMS systems.
Media Contact:
Mario F. Daniels
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