New Chair of UMDNJ Board of Trustees

John J. Petillo, PhD, was named chair of the UMDNJ Board of Trustees on July 22. He is currently the first president and chief executive officer of the Newark Alliance–a nonprofit organization composed of representatives from private and civic groups whose shared goal is to improve educational opportunities and facilities in Newark. The organization-comprised of chief executives from a number of major corporate and philanthropic entities across the Newark region–works closely with city and local officials to enhance the quality of life and facilitate commercial and residential development in the state’s largest city.

Prior to joining the Newark Alliance, Petillo was CEO at Tribus Companies and CareAdvantage, Inc., and president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, where he was influential in eliminating the reserve deficit and replacing it with a reserve surplus. During his tenure there, he advocated legislation requiring all health insurance carriers to underwrite individual policies regardless of medical histories.

Petillo has also served as chancellor and chief executive officer of Seton Hall University and chancellor of the Archdiocese of Newark. At Seton Hall, Petillo was credited with completing the first development campaign in the institution’s history and significantly increasing the residential student capacity.

Petillo is current chair of the Essex County College Foundation, a board member of the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and a member of numerous board committees. He earned a PhD in counseling and personnel services from Fordham University, an MA in counseling from Seton Hall University and an MPA from Rutgers. He is married to Sabina M. Porcaro, MD, and they have a daughter.