O'Rourke at the helm of hospital foundation

NEWTON-Dennis H. Collette, president and CEO of Newton Memorial Hospital, announced the appointment of Sean O'Rourke to president of the Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation. O'Rourke will fill the position vacated by Stanley Koza, who was employed by the hospital for 32 years and prior to his retirement last year served as president to the foundation for 13 years. O'Rourke, who began his career at Newton Memorial Hospital in December 2002, is presently chief operating officer and senior vice president and will continue in that capacity along with his duties as president of the Foundation. Initially, O'Rourke was vice president of finance at the hospital. He holds the title of Certified Public Accountant and earned his bachelor's degree in accounting from Pace University. He has been employed by Sussex County's Wallkill Valley General Hospital, St. Clare's Hospital in Denville, Dover General Hospital and Elizabeth General Medical Center. In 1999, O'Rourke served as vice president of finance at Christ Hospital in Jersey City until its merger with St. Francis Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital. During his tenure, the merger established the Bon Secours Canterbury Partnership for Care, Inc. at which O'Rourke was elevated to vice president of finance at the newly formed organization. "As Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation president, O'Rourke will have ample opportunity to utilize his financial and operational background," Collette said. "He is uniquely qualified to communicate the needs of our hospital and the community it serves that will enable the fundraising efforts by the foundation to meet the greatest need." O'Rourke, his wife and their four children reside in Sussex County.