Former NJ governor stepping down as chair of hospital board

NEWARK » A former New Jersey governor will soon step down as chairman of the board at a major hospital amid revelations he recommended that the hospital hire a friend who was given a “no-show or low-show” job.

Former Republican Gov. Donald DiFrancesco announced Sunday that he will leave University Hospital’s board on Dec. 31, though he didn’t mention the controversy in his resignation letter, according to NJ.com.

The newspaper previously reported he recommended attorney Jill Cooperman for a position at the Newark hospital in 2013. She was hired at a salary of $94,000, but that soon rose after her title changed weeks later to DiFrancesco’s assistant.

A whistleblower complaint prompted the hospital board to hire an outside law firm to investigate. The firm found the complaint credible, saying the hospital had a highlevel administrator without a clear job title or responsibilities.

Cooperman left the position in April 2016.

The already struggling hospital ended up paying more than $500,000 for salary, severance pay and funding the investigation. Republican Gov. Chris Christie was asked to remove DiFrancesco Friday by the president of a consumer watchdog group.

DiFrancesco said in his resignation letter that he is proud of what he achieved during his time at the hospital.

“Although I have only six months remaining on my term, I believe this is the right time for me to step aside,” he said.

A spokesman said the governor accepted DiFrancesco’s resignation. Hospital spokesman Rick Remington said they thank DiFrancesco for his years of service.