Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation Hosts Founders Awards Dinner
The event celebrated six of the founding members of the Medical Center’s Foundation Board of Trustees
The Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation hosted a dynamic and well-attended Founders Awards Dinner at Edgewood Country Club, bringing together community leaders, partners, and supporters for an evening that celebrated vision, leadership, and the power of philanthropy to transform care.
Six founding members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees were honored for their extraordinary commitment and lasting impact:
• Laura Genovese Behrmann, Assistant Vice President, Fortitude P&C Solutions
• Robert S. Brown, President, Digital Voice Network and Chair, Bergen New Bridge Foundation
• John J. Cosgrove, President and Founder, Atlantic Handling Systems and Past Chair, Bergen New Bridge Foundation
• Thomas M. Eastwick, President and Founder, Eastwick College
• Nicholas Laganella, Managing Member, Laganella Property Management and Treasurer, Bergen New Bridge Foundation
• Louis J. Weiss, CEO, WFM Project and Construction, Inc. and Immediate Past Chair, Bergen New Bridge Foundation
Together, these leaders have helped shape the Foundation into a driving force behind the continued evolution of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center as a high impact, mission driven health system.
Funds raised during the evening will directly support transformative investments across the Medical Center, including campus enhancements, advanced technology, and the expansion of critical service lines.
A key focus of this transformation is the expansion of the Medical Center’s Emergency Department, which has more than doubled in capacity and now features modern, patient centered spaces, including dedicated areas for individuals experiencing mental health crises. This investment is redefining how emergency care is delivered, improving access, reducing wait times, and ensuring patients receive the right care in the right setting.
Philanthropic support will also strengthen care across the continuum, including behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, elder care, and services for individuals living with chronic conditions.
“Our Foundation is not just supporting our growth, it is accelerating it,” said Deborah Visconi, President and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center. “I am deeply grateful to our honorees and our entire Board of Trustees whose leadership and generosity continue to move this organization forward. Because of them, we are expanding access, advancing innovation, and delivering care in more meaningful and impactful ways. The transformation of our Emergency Department is a powerful example of what this support makes possible, ensuring more patients receive timely, compassionate, and specialized care when they need it most.”
“This evening was a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when leadership and purpose come together,” said Robert S. Brown, Chair, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center Foundation. “I am deeply humbled to be recognized alongside my fellow honorees, whose commitment has helped build something truly meaningful. Because of their leadership and the generosity of our donors, we are not only supporting care, but we are also expanding it, strengthening it, and ensuring it reaches those who need it most.”
The Founders Awards Dinner reflects the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing the mission of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and building a stronger, healthier future for the community.
