Asbury Park, New Jersey – October 24, 2024: Last month, John Zim, Controller and Director of Nonclinical Services at VNACJ Community Health Center (CHC), was recognized as a 2024 NJBIZ Forty Under 40 NJBIZ Forty Under 40 Honoree in the Rising Star category. This award highlights John’s significant leadership, where he has played a vital role in shaping VNACJ CHC’s operations and supporting its mission to improve community health.
The NJBIZ Forty Under 40 program, established in 2006, honors 40 professionals under the age of 40 who demonstrate outstanding leadership and success in their respective industries. This year, the program introduced a new category, Rising Stars, which highlights 15 young professionals under the age of 29. Despite having less than seven years of experience, these individuals are already showing exceptional potential to become future leaders.
John’s inclusion in the Rising Star category underscores his impressive accomplishments at VNACJ CHC and his commitment to driving its mission forward.
From Client to Leader
John’s journey to his current role at VNACJ CHC began during his early career in public accounting. VNACJ CHC was his very first client when he worked as a supervisor at a public accounting firm. Reflecting on that time, John said, “A few weeks after I left the firm, I walked through the doors of a buzzing health center in Asbury Park for a meeting with the company’s CEO and my firm’s senior partner. Two titans in their fields and one very green accounting professional. It was daunting, to say the least.”
For the next five years, John continued to work with VNACJ CHC, gaining valuable exposure to their financial operations and organizational culture. This experience ultimately led him to join VNACJ CHC as Controller and Director of Nonclinical Services. “Becoming a formal team member was an opportunity that required no hesitation on my part,” John shared.
Shaping the Future of VNACJ CHC
In his dual roles as Controller and Director of Nonclinical Services, John is responsible for the organization’s financial health and oversees operational processes that affect patient care. His systematic approach to problem-solving stems from his upbringing, where his father, a mechanical engineer, instilled in him a mindset of practicality and action.
John’s impact on VNACJ CHC ‘s operations is evident in the way he navigates the organization’s fiscal and operational challenges. He shared, “Whether it be adjusting the manner in which I run the monthly financial close or instituting a new internal control framework atop medical supply purchasing and procurement, my role provides me with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the CHC’s functions. This structure is highly motivational for me, as working with an ambitious and bright team to assist in the company’s direction is a powerful professional framework.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Professionals
When asked what advice he would offer young professionals aspiring to make their mark in healthcare or any field, John shared a valuable lesson he regularly challenges himself to follow: “Become someone whose opinion you value.” He elaborated that his mindset requires ongoing effort, research, and personal growth. “If you are continuously striving to improve the value you have in your own professional opinion, you must continuously be putting forth the work to do so,” he said, emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and dedication.
John’s recognition by NJBIZ as one of New Jersey’s top-rising professionals not only highlights his significant contributions to VNACJ CHC but also reflects the immense potential he brings to the healthcare industry at large. This recognition is one of several honors VNACJ CHC has received this year. Sarina Brady, CEO of VNACJ CHC, and Colleen Nelson, Vice President of Clinical Operations at VNA Health Group, both received the 2024 NJBIZ Health Care Hero Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate excellence and innovation while making a substantial impact on the quality of healthcare in New Jersey.
John, Sarina, and Colleen’s leadership and dedication continue to improve community health throughout New Jersey.
About VNACJ Community Health Center
The Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey Community Health Center, Inc. (VNACJ Community Health Center) has been integral to Monmouth County for over 27 years, providing comprehensive primary and preventative care for infants, children, and adults.
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, VNACJ Community Health Center provides care at a sliding-scale cost, meaning that quality of care is never dictated by a patient’s ability to pay. Ensuring equitable access and overcoming barriers in the healthcare system is central to the organization’s approach to care.
VNACJ Community Health Centers are conveniently located in Asbury Park, Freehold, Keyport, and Red Bank. The organization works across its four locations to fulfill its mission of building healthy communities and enhancing well-being.
With a diverse and multilingual team of professionals, VNACJ Community Health Center aims to represent and reflect New Jersey’s diverse communities, focusing on expanding access to high-quality healthcare in a trusted and inclusive environment. To learn more, visit: https://vnachc.org/