Mr. Citara was named chief hospital executive of Hackensack Meridian Ocean University Medical Center in September 2022, marking his return to a hospital where he had earlier served six years as a business and operations manager. He rejoined Ocean University Medical Center after five years leading Hackensack Meridian Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, N.J. as president and chief hospital executive. Since his return, he has overseen the opening of the 18,000-square-foot Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris Heart and Vascular Center, which has helped drive a 70% year-over-year increase in cardiac catheterization laboratory volume, and is now leading an expansion of oncology and surgical services. Mr. Citara introduced virtual nursing at the medical center, a model Hackensack Meridian Health later expanded networkwide, along with multidisciplinary bedside rounding and a post-discharge transition of care clinic to reduce readmissions. He leads a workforce of 2,700 team members and partners with medical staff to support a graduate medical education program with more than 120 residents and fellows. Under his leadership, the medical center earned the Joint Commission’s environmental sustainability certification and was ranked a Practice Greenhealth “Top 25 Hospital for Environmental Excellence.” Additionally, its Johnson Rehabilitation Institute achieved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities accreditation across multiple programs. In 2024, the medical center became home to a helipad base for the Hackensack Meridian Health Air Medical Program, marking more than 40 years of service to the community. Mr. Citara serves on the board of directors of the New Jersey Hospital Association and is a member of the Manalapan Township Board of Health.
