Montefiore Medicine announced today that Ruben Diaz Jr. has joined the organization as Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. Mr. Diaz served as Bronx Borough President from 2009-2021, where he led an unprecedented revival of The Bronx in areas of economic development, job creation, health, and housing. Prior to serving as Borough President, Mr. Diaz was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1997-2009.  

“Ruben Diaz has been a tireless advocate and a force for change in The Bronx.  His passion and experience will be instrumental as we seek new and innovative ways to invest in the health and economic wellness of our community,” said Dr. Philip O. Ozuah, President and CEO of Montefiore Medicine.

“Montefiore-Einstein is one of the core institutions of The Bronx and this region, leading the way on health outcomes, creating jobs, supporting our neighborhoods and making this borough an even better place to live, work and raise a family,” said Ruben Diaz Jr., Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Montefiore. “I have always been proud to call them my ally in our borough’s ongoing work to improve the lives of Bronx residents.”

Through his leadership, Mr. Diaz worked to generate $27 billion in private investments in The Bronx. He worked collaboratively to secure several development projects, including the East Bronx Metro North expansion that is slated to bring new commuter rail options to Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest and Hunts Point; the total tear down and reconstruction of the Sheridan Expressway to create Sheridan Boulevard; and the rehabilitation of the historic Orchard Beach pavilion and bathhouse.
 
When COVID-19 struck the nation in 2020 Mr. Diaz led the borough’s efforts to distribute millions of pieces of PPE to borough residents and would later drive efforts to bring both testing and vaccination sites to the borough. 

In 2015 Mr. Diaz partnered with Montefiore and others to launch the #Not62 campaign, dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of Bronx residents, bringing together stakeholders from across multiple sectors within City government, the business community, healthcare providers, and community-based and faith-based organizations to address the determinants of health.

 Mr. Diaz graduated from Lehman College, City University of New York and is the recipient of honorary doctoral degrees in civil law from Berkeley College and Mercy College, and a doctoral degree in humane letters from the Metropolitan College of New York. A lifelong resident of The Bronx, former Borough President Diaz lives in the Soundview neighborhood with his wife, Hilda. He also has two sons, Ruben III and Ryan.
 

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 About Montefiore Health System  

Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospitaland more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram and LinkedIn, or view us on Facebook and YouTube