Frances Palm Named Zufall Health’s New President and Chief Executive Officer

Zufall Health announced today the appointment of Frances L. Palm, MPA, as president and chief executive officer (CEO). Palm, who currently serves as Zufall’s chief operating officer (COO), will succeed outgoing president and CEO Eva Turbiner, effective February 1, 2023. The change marks the first time since 2006 that the health center will operate under a new president and CEO. 

Palm’s appointment follows a rigorous national search and selection process conducted by Zufall’s Board of Directors with the assistance of global executive search firm WittKiefer. The search yielded more than 200 applicants after Turbiner announced her retirement last year. “We are confident that Fran is the right choice for Zufall Health’s future and that future is bright,” said Michael O’Donnell, J.D., chair of Zufall’s Board of Directors. “We are also extremely grateful for the 16 years of dedicated service that Eva has given to Zufall Health and appreciate that she will be working with Fran through the end of February to facilitate a seamless transition.”

In her new role, Palm will work closely with the Board of Directors to set the strategic vision, ensure sound financial operations, oversee program development, and lead a staff of more than 400 in a supportive, inclusive, and engaging culture. “Fran's advancement to president and CEO is a natural progression for both her career and for the health center. I anticipate an easy transition for Zufall with Fran’s sharp and proactive approach at the helm.” said Turbiner. "

Eva cultivated remarkable growth for Zufall during her tenure, elevating the health center from a tiny clinic to a robust network of nationally recognized care. It will be my honor to carry on her vision and steadfast dedication to our patients and community,” Palm said.

Palm enters the president and CEO role with more than three decades of health and social service program administration. As COO of Zufall since 2014, she has been responsible for the efficient operation of services at 12 clinical sites including two mobile units, while ensuring compliance with all regulations as a state-licensed, Federally Qualified Health Center. Prior to joining Zufall, Palm held executive director roles at Women’s Health & Counseling Center, which merged with Zufall in 2014, and NJ 2-1-1. She earned her master’s in public administration at Seton Hall University and completed UCLA Anderson School of Management’s Health Care Executive Program.

Zufall Health is an award-winning community health center that has been providing high-quality, affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health services to low-income, uninsured, and underserved people since 1990. More than 44,000 patients are served at its headquarters site in Dover, as well as in Flemington, Franklin Township, Hackettstown, Morristown, Newton, Plainsboro, Somerville, and West Orange, and on its Highlands Health Van and Zufall Health Delta Dental Mobile.

​For more information, visit zufallhealth.org.