Michael D’Agnes
Former President and CEO RBMC
*file photo by Bob Ned

By: Carolyn Maxwell

OLD BRIDGE – During the speeches made at the Ground-breaking Ceremony, there was one particular individual that was named: retired President and CEO RBMC Michael D’Agnes.

D’Agnes was always an advocate for expanding and improving services in the development of Raritan Bay Medical Center (Hackensack Meridian). His commitment to the community always came first.

The Amboy Guardian had a brief interview with Chief Hospital Executive RBMC Thomas Shanahan who shared the same kind of commitment as D’Agnes. 

Shanahan stated, “Mike D’Agnes called me with a job offer after looking at my resume even though he had never met me. He knew I would be a perfect fit.”

Shanahan had previously worked as CFO at St. Barnabas Hospital at Clare Mass. He’s had 18 1/2 years of experience in the finance and operation of hospital facilities. Shanahan mentioned that he along with a team of Board Members, the Township of Old Bridge, physicians, nurses, and administrators saw the need to expand the emergency room to accommodate the expanding population.  Architects worked with them to help envision the project. The Community input was of utmost importance because they are the ones who the hospital serves. 

Thomas Shanahan
Chief Hospital Executive RBMC
*Photo by Katherine Massopust

When asked about transportation from neighboring towns such as Perth Amboy, Shanahan said that they are already in place. “Bigger waiting rooms are a must as well as the need for more beds. Our surgery campus will need 9 operating rooms. The project will take 2 years – not 18 months as another speaker has stated.”
   D’Agnes had been mentioned as a mentor to many, and Shanahan echoed that sentiment as well as thanking D’Agnes for his leadership. Apparently Michael D’Agnes saw similar traits in Thomas Shanahan. 

Congratulations to all who were involved in making this come true: past and present. It’s a win-win.