MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Atlantic Health is recognizing four longtime members of its Board of Trustees who have concluded their service, honoring their contributions to patients, caregivers and communities across New Jersey.
The health system recognized Immediate Past Chair Robert E. McCracken, Vice Chair Richard W. Herbst, Dr. John F. Vigorita and Dr. Grant Parr for their years of volunteer leadership.
“As a nonprofit healthcare system dedicated to our charitable mission, Atlantic Health relies on the strategic leadership and governance of trustees who generously volunteer their time and talent in support of our patients and caregivers,” said Laura Ann Kelly, chair of the Atlantic Health Board of Trustees. “We are endlessly thankful for leaders like Bob, Dick, John, and Grant, who choose to give back by advocating for healthier communities and safeguarding the well-being of generations to come.”
McCracken joined the board in 2011 and served four years as board chair before transitioning to immediate past chair in May 2025. He previously chaired Newton Memorial Hospital and the Newton Medical Center Advisory Board and is the former owner and president of Smith-McCracken and Wood Funeral Homes.
“Throughout his remarkable career of selfless service, Bob McCracken has distinguished himself as a role model for leadership and altruism,” said Saad Ehtisham, president and chief executive officer of Atlantic Health. “We are grateful for his tireless commitment to supporting New Jersey’s diverse communities and the people who live and work within them. Thanks to his vision for the future of health care and unwavering faith in our workforce throughout his Board service, Bob lifted Atlantic Health to new heights.”
Herbst first joined the board in 2005, later returning in 2018 after a brief absence. As vice chair and chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee, he provided financial and investment expertise while serving on the Executive and Finance and Investment committees. He is president of Roundtable Investment Partners LLC and previously held leadership positions at JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs.
Vigorita joined the board in 2017 after decades of service to Atlantic Health. He completed his pediatric residency at Overlook Medical Center, founded Summit Pediatric Associates and later served as president of the Overlook Medical Staff, Atlantic Health’s medical director of mission development and chair of its bioethics oversight committee.
Parr also joined the board in 2017, nearly three decades after performing the first open-heart surgery at Morristown Medical Center. A board-certified thoracic surgeon, he helped establish the Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute and served on several board committees while also supporting the Foundation for Morristown Medical Center.
Atlantic Health thanked all four trustees for their years of leadership and service, noting their contributions have helped strengthen health care for patients and caregivers throughout New Jersey.
