April 28, 2009

NEW YORK—Gilda Ventresca-Ecroyd, vice president for government affairs at NYU Langone Medical Center, has been named New York State's Grassroots Champion for 2008 by the American Hospital Association (AHA) and the Healthcare Association of New State (HANYS).

The award is presented annually to one individual from each state for exceptional leadership in generating grassroots and community activity in support of their hospital's mission. Ms. Ventresca-Ecroyd is being honored for effectively delivering the NYU Langone Medical Center hospital message to elected officials and leading efforts to broaden the base of community support for all hospitals across the state. 

"Ms. Ventresca-Ecroyd's unparalleled understanding of the healthcare system makes her an invaluable asset to our Medical Center and to all the citizens of our state," said Dean & CEO Robert I. Grossman, M.D. "In advocating for our mission, she is ultimately fighting for our patients, our doctors, our students, and the wider community. We are delighted to see her recognized with this prestigious award, which acknowledges both her tireless efforts on their behalf and the immense respect she has earned among her peers."

HANYS President Daniel Sisto said, "We are extremely pleased to see Gilda achieve this well-deserved national recognition. It represents a formal reflection of her national and state policy expertise, her attention to detail, high energy level, and the collaborative manner in which she works with the allied associations. She has worked hard to earn the "open door" access that she has established among numerous key elected and appointed officials."

Ms. Ventresca-Ecroyd began her career as an assistant to former Congressman Charles Wilson (D-TX) where she covered health and education issues under the jurisdiction of the House Appropriations Committee. She also worked with former Governor Hugh L. Carey (D-NY) in his Washington D.C. office, representing the State on health, education and aging issues. She has held government relations positions with the American Hospital Association, Mount Sinai Hospital, and the Chicago Health Care Council. She joined NYU Langone Medical Center originally in 1981, where she is currently vice president for government affairs.

Contact:
Lauren Woods
Office of Communications and Public Affairs
NYU Langone Medical Center
(212) 404-3555 (office)
(917) 301-5699 (cell)
lauren.woods@nyumc.org

About NYU Langone Medical Center
Located in the heart of New York City, NYU Langone Medical Center is one of the nation's premier centers of excellence in health care, biomedical research, and medical education. For over 167 years, NYU physicians and researchers have made countless contributions to the practice and science of health care. Today the Medical Center consists of NYU School of Medicine, including the Smilow Research Center, the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, and the Sackler Institute of Graduate Biomedical Sciences; the three hospitals of NYU Hospitals Center, Tisch Hospital, a 726-bed acute-care general hospital, Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, the first and largest facility of its kind, and the Hospital for Joint Diseases, a leader in musculoskeletal care; and such major programs as The Cancer Institute, The Child Study Center, and the Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.