Desmond, Sharma bring extensive financial management and other expertise to enhance board Leadership
The Board of Directors of Nassau Health Care Corporation (NHCC) has added two new members who bring extensive, relevant experience and proven track records in their fields that will significantly contribute to the strategic growth and fiscal oversight of Long Island’s largest public safety-net health care provider.
The appointments come on the heels of the release of a new annual financial audit of the corporation that found significant positive impact from the comprehensive Financial Sustainability Reform Plan enacted by NHCC Chairman Matthew Bruderman last year. In 2023, NHCC realized more than $100 million in operational improvements, increased its collections and a tripling of its cash balances in 2024.
John J. Desmond, a former Partner-In-Charge at the Long Island office of leading accounting firm, Grant Thornton LLP with over 40 years in the public accounting industry, and Atul K. Sharma, who previously held leadership positions at Lehman Brothers, UBS, and Barclays, were both appointed at the recommendation of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and approved by the NHCC board on June 18th.
“I am very pleased that John Desmond and Atul Sharma have agreed to serve on the board of NUMC. Mr. Sharma has an extensive background in business and finance and is highly regarded in the business community for his ability and integrity. John Desmond is the former Long Island partner for accounting giant Grant Thornton and will render invaluable fiscal and budgetary expertise to the board,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
“John’s extensive experience in financial reporting and strategic planning is the kind of expertise NHCC’s board needs as we continue on a path toward fiscal sustainability,” said Matthew J. Bruderman, Chairman of the Board of Directors for NHCC. “Atul has worked at some of the world’s largest financial management firms and will also contribute substantively to our reform plan, which is already realizing significant progress. Both these new board members are part of our larger effort to ensure that moving forward, this board is comprised of people truly qualified and capable of managing a critical health care institution that provides more than $1 billion in services annually. I look forward to working with both John and Atul to continue the progress we are making.”
Desmond brings over 42 years of experience in public accounting, auditing, financial reporting, risk management, and strategic leadership. He has served mid-cap public and private equity-backed global companies across diverse industries such as manufacturing, distribution, retail, banking, software, and not-for-profit organizations. At Grant Thornton LLP, he served as Partner-in-Charge of the Long Island office, demonstrating strong leadership skills and driving growth and recognition for the practice.
“I am honored to be called upon to serve on NHCC’s Board of Directors to make the goals, vision and aspirations of this critically important hospital happen for the health and well-being of our surrounding communities,” said John Desmond.
Atul K Sharma, a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader, has over 25 years of experience in corporate and entrepreneurial ventures. He has held leadership positions at Lehman Brothers, UBS, and Barclays, and has successfully built companies in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors. He currently oversees the family office for the Sharma Family, guiding investment strategies into diverse ventures globally. Atul’s deep understanding of global markets and strategic management principles, bolstered by his academic background in Economics, Finance, and International Business, will be invaluable to NHCC.
“I am deeply honored to be nominated by the County Executive for this important role. It is a privilege to serve on the board of an institution that plays such a vital role in our community’s health and wellness. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow board members and the entire NUMC team to support and enhance the exceptional care provided to our residents,” said Atul Sharma.
“We are delighted to welcome John and Atul to the Board of Directors. Their combined experience and expertise will be instrumental in driving our mission forward. We look forward to their contributions as we continue to ensure everyone in Nassau receives quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Megan C. Ryan, NHCC Interim CEO and President.
Information provided by Nassau Health Care Corporation
