Zufall Health CEO Frances Palm recognized as leader making a meaningful impact in Morris County

FLORHAM PARK BOROUGH, NJ (Morris County) – Frances Palm, MPA, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Dover-based community health center Zufall Health, has been honored with the prestigious Exemplary Leader Award by the Morris County Chamber of Commerce (MCCC).

The award recognizes a leader of a Morris County nonprofit with revenues over $1 million who exemplifies “excellence, innovation, and leadership that makes a meaningful impact” on the communities they serve.

Palm accepted the award at MCCC’s 19th Annual Nonprofit Conference & Awards on April 9. She joined Zufall in 2014 as chief operating officer (COO) before being appointed CEO in 2023. During her 11-year tenure, the health center has doubled the number of individuals annually receiving affordable medical, dental, behavioral health, and supportive services.

In 2024, Zufall served nearly 52,000 patients, including about 25,000 in Morris County alone. Many of these patients face challenges such as low income, lack of insurance, and language barriers, making Zufall’s services critical for improving health outcomes among the community’s most vulnerable and reducing the burden on emergency care.

Since stepping into her current role, Palm has led several key initiatives in Morris County, including:

• Increased access to prescription medication through the acquisition of Goodale Pharmacy in Dover, which provides free delivery to patients across Zufall’s northern and central New Jersey service areas.

• Enhancing treatment for substance use disorders by integrating Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) into primary care services throughout the entire system, including in Dover and Morristown.

• Launching an early intervention program to identify developmental delays in children during pediatric well visits at select locations, including Dover.

Beyond her programmatic accomplishments, Palm has focused on strengthening Zufall’s quality of care. In 2024, the health center earned its ninth consecutive Health Center Quality Leader Gold Tier award from the Health Resources and Services Administration, placing it among the top 10% of federally qualified health centers nationwide. That same year, Zufall achieved accreditation from The Joint Commission, the country’s oldest and largest accrediting body in healthcare, affirming its commitment to safety and quality.

“In a community filled with outstanding nonprofits and leaders, I’m truly grateful to be recognized,” Palm said. “The real honor comes from knowing the positive impact the entire Zufall team has made on so many lives. Every program and initiative is created with our patients in mind, and this award acknowledges their experiences and the service they inspire.”

Palm’s career has been marked by a commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable in her community. Before joining Zufall, she expanded health and social service programs across northern and central New Jersey through leadership roles with the Women’s Health and Counseling Center, 2-1-1 First Call for Help, and the United Way. Her expertise in increasing access to essential services has been a driving force behind Zufall’s growth, ensuring that thousands more individuals and families receive the care they deserve.

“In such a short time as CEO, Fran has made a profound difference for our patients,” said Bill Shuler, chair of Zufall’s Board of Directors and treasurer of the Board of Trustees of the Zufall Health Foundation. “This well-deserved recognition highlights her dedication to expanding our services and improving the lives of those who rely on our care. Her leadership is advancing meaningful change that benefits our patients and positions Zufall for continued success.”