CareWell Health Medical Center today announced the appointment of Assad Akhter as Vice President of Public Affairs. Akhter is a seasoned public affairs executive with more than two decades of experience at the intersection of healthcare, government, and communications.

In this role, Akhter will lead CareWell Health's public affairs strategy, overseeing government relations, media relations, internal and external communications, marketing, and community engagement. He will work closely with hospital leadership to strengthen partnerships with policymakers, community organizations, and regional stakeholders in support of CareWell's ongoing efforts to expand access to high-quality care across the communities it serves.

Akhter most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative Affairs in the Office of former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, where he led legislative strategy and coordinated policy engagement across the executive branch while leading engagement with the New Jersey Legislature. In that capacity, he managed the Governor's legislative affairs team and helped align policy priorities across all cabinet departments.

Prior to his work in the Governor's Office, Akhter served as Director of Public Affairs at University Hospital in Newark, where he led government affairs, media strategy, marketing, and communications throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. During that period, he helped secure more than $108 million in federal CARES Act funding and $300 million in state capital funding for hospital redevelopment, while positioning the hospital as a leading public health voice during New Jersey's vaccine rollout.

Earlier in his career, Akhter served as an elected Passaic County Commissioner and spent more than a decade in the office of Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr., holding senior roles including Legislative Director in Washington and later Deputy Chief of Staff leading operations within the Congressional District.

“CareWell Health, through its new ownership group, has shown a deep commitment to this community,” said Assad Akhter. “I’m honored to join this team and look forward to working alongside leadership and community partners to strengthen healthcare access and outcomes for the patients and families we serve. My goal is not simply to promote what CareWell Health is today, but to help continue building toward what CareWell Health will be in the future.”

About CareWell Health

CareWell Health Medical Center is a full-service acute care hospital serving East Orange, Essex County, and surrounding communities. The hospital provides comprehensive medical services, including emergency care, orthopedics, and specialized treatment programs designed to meet the needs of the diverse communities it serves.

CareWell Health is a statewide leader in behavioral health and withdrawal management, providing innovative, evidence-based care for patients and families navigating addiction and mental health challenges. As the demand for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services continues to grow across New Jersey, CareWell is committed to expanding its capacity and advancing new models of care that meet patients where they are.