FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2012

ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO HOSTS
ANNUAL ESSEX COUNTY JEWISH HERITAGE CELEBRATION

Star of Essex Awards are Presented to
Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO of Barnabas Health,
and Melanie Roth Gorelick, Director of the Community Relations Committee
of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest and the Jewish Federation
of Central New Jersey

Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. hosted Essex County’s Annual Jewish Heritage Celebration on Tuesday, May 29th. The festive event recognized the influence and positive impact that Jewish people have had, and continue to have, on the economy and culture of Essex County. During the ceremony, DiVincenzo presented Star of Essex Awards to Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO of Barnabas Health, and Melanie Roth Gorelick, Director of the Community Relations Committee of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest and the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey.

“Barry Ostrowsky and Melanie Roth Gorelick have both enjoyed tremendous personal success in their respective careers,” DiVincenzo said. “Their commitment to improving the lives of all residents, their leadership, and dedication to public service is to be commended,” he added.

“I am pleased to be here as we honor Barry Ostrowsky and Melanie Roth Gorelick today. I want to thank them for their contributions to Essex County and New Jersey, and I thank all Jewish Americans for their work to improve this Country,” said Freeholder President Blonnie R. Watson.

Barry H. Ostrowsky was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Barnabas Health on January 1, 2012, and is now responsible for the State's largest health care delivery system that provides treatment and services for more than two million patients each year.Prior to his current appointment, he had served as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Barnabas Health for nearly two years and, from 1991 to 2010, as Executive Vice President and General Counsel. As President and COO, Mr. Ostrowsky served as the second most senior member of the Barnabas Health management team. In addition to overseeing ongoing operations of all clinical facilities and services within the system, he was responsible for organizational strategy and physician management and integration. Mr. Ostrowsky has been leading Barnabas Health’s initiatives in responding to the new dynamics of health reform.
Prior to joining Barnabas Health, Mr. Ostrowsky was a Senior Partner in the law firm of Brach, Eichler, Rosenberg, Silver, Bernstein, Hammer and Gladstone.While there, he represented physicians and other health care professionals and health care institutions in such areas as corporate restructuring, certificate of need regulations, licensure and reimbursement policies.He played an active role in shaping the evolution of New Jersey's health care delivery system and has worked closely with physicians, hospitals and insurers in this regard.
Mr. Ostrowsky has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the following organizations: Cerebral Palsy of North Jersey (Past President), The New Jersey Network Foundation, Overseers of Rutgers University and The Metro YMCAs of the Oranges. He lectures extensively on health care related topics at the Rutgers University Masters Public Health Program, the National Health Lawyers Association and the American Health Planning Association. Mr. Ostrowsky received a Bachelor’s Degree from Rutgers University and a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of Tennessee School of Law.
“When people talk about the contributions of Jewish Americans, it becomes evident that we have a tradition of service to our communities. We learn that we have a responsibility to others and, at Barnabas Health, we strive to provide the best quality care at our facilities,” said Ostrowsky. “I thank County Executive DiVincenzo for this great honor,” he added.
Melanie Roth Gorelick, a resident of Livingston, has served as the Director of the Community Relations Committee of the United Jewish Communities of MetroWest and the Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey since 2006.Among her many responsibilities, she launched a NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking and implemented a successful Step Up For Israel advocacy and education program, state-wide Stop Iran Now Campaign in New Jersey and was the Co-Convener of the NJ Coalition Responds to the Crisis in Darfur.

Ms. Gorelick has a strong background in advocacy on international human rights issues and oversees the government affairs work of UJC and Central NJ, and represents the Jewish community to county, state and Congressional elected officials. Over the past two years, she has worked to strengthen the relationship and services of UJC with the County governments in the MetroWest and Central NJ service areas. Her prior experience includes working as the Communications and Advocacy Manager at the UN Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), an Associate in the Program and Policy Department of the American Association of University Women, and Program Assistant at the UN Non-Governmental Liaison Service.

“I am honored to receive this award and I thank the County Executive for selecting me. I accept this award on behalf of all those whom I’ve worked with and those who have supported and empowered me along the way,” said Gorelick. “Our programs continue to be pillars in our communities sand I am proud to have an impact,” she added.

The Essex County Jewish Heritage Celebration is part of a yearlong series of programs initiated by County Executive DiVincenzo to recognize and celebrate the diversity of Essex County. Other cultural celebrations celebrate African American Heritage, Irish Heritage, Italian Heritage, Jewish Heritage, Latino Heritage and Portuguese Heritage.