Recently named Nassau County Police Department Acting Commissioner Victor Politi was unanimously selected to be Nassau Health Care Corporation’s next president and CEO.
NuHealth Board of Directors Chairman Craig Rizzo announced the selection Wednesday after the board conducted “an extensive search” into candidates to head the health system, which manages the operations of Nassau University Medical Center. He will take over Feb. 8, according to NUMC spokeswoman Shelley Lotenberg.
Rizzo, in a statement, said Politi is “exceptionally qualified for this position” and touted his “deep community ties” in Nassau.
“His multi-faceted background makes him the perfect candidate to bring NHCC out of its financial struggles and into a profitable institution,” Rizzo said.
Politi has served as a Nassau County Police Surgeon and oversaw the Nassau County Department of Health and the Nassau County Medical Examiner’s Office during his time as Deputy Nassau County Executive of Public Safety.
Politi was named acting-police commissioner in December after Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano forced the resignation of Thomas Dale. According to Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, Dale ordered the arrest of a Roosevelt man at the request of county executive-hopeful Andrew Hardwick’s sole campaign donor, Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius.
Mangano’s chief spokesman did not respond to questions as to when Mangano will decide to appoint a permanent police commissioner.
But he did release a statement from Mangano applauding Politi’s latest appointment.
“With the hospital’s struggling finances and the need for a new CEO, the Board of Directors unanimous decision to select Dr. Vic Politi demonstrates strong leadership as Vic’s 20 years of health care and executive management experience will surely benefit the hospital, patients and taxpayers alike,” it reads.
Arthur Gianelli, NHCC’s current president and CEO, resigned in November, but stayed on until a successor was named. His last day is Feb. 7.
“I thank the Board of Directors for their full support and confidence in my appointment,” Politi said in statement. “There is much work to do at NuHealth and I look forward to partnering with the Board, medical and nursing staff, and hospital workers.”
He said he will ask to the board to approve a forensic audit in the coming days so officials could begin addressing the hospital’s finances.
