New Providence, NJ – NJ Sharing Network, the federally designated nonprofit organization committed to saving and enhancing lives through the recovery of donated organs and tissue, is pleased to announce the election of new officers and the appointment of two new members to its Governing Board of Trustees. Dr. Patrick Buddle has been elected Chair, with Jay Arisso, Jr. as Vice Chair, Laura W. Patt as Treasurer, and Dr. Mary Ditri as Secretary. Additionally, Jane Buckiewicz and Dr. Nitin Puri have joined the Governing Board of Trustees as new members.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new slate of board officers and members as we continue our vital work to save and enhance more lives than ever before,” said Carolyn M. Welsh, President and CEO of NJ Sharing Network. “With their diverse expertise, leadership, and powerful commitment to our mission, we are confident that NJ Sharing Network will reach even greater heights in the years ahead. Together, we will build on our momentum, expand our outreach, and make an even greater impact in the lives of those waiting for a lifesaving transplant. This is an exciting time for our organization, and we look forward to all that we will accomplish with our new leadership team.”
Dr. Patrick Buddle – Chair
Hometown: Manasquan, NJ
Dr. Patrick Buddle is a long-time supporter of NJ Sharing Network and a generous living kidney donor. In 2002, he made the selfless decision to donate a kidney to help save the life of his physician colleague. Since then, Dr. Buddle has volunteered his time and expertise to support the organization in various capacities, including as a member of the Organ Donor Council, the New Jersey State Joint Organ Task Force, and the Educational Advisory Board, which developed the New Jersey High School Heroes Act. He also served on the Sharing Network Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Now retired, Dr. Buddle began his career in 1987 in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. For more than 30 years, he served as the Director of Rehabilitation at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. He has held numerous professional, hospital, and community affiliations, including serving as team physician for the Manasquan High School football team, Medical Director of the Atlantic Sports and Fitness Club, and a member of the Advisory Committee to the Health Care Academy at Manasquan High School.
Jay Arisso, Jr. – Vice Chair
Hometown: Elizabeth, NJ
Jay Arisso, Jr. is the Lead Pastor of Today’s Church in Elizabeth, NJ, and a certified Grief Recovery Specialist from the Grief Recovery Institute. With more than 20 years of experience as an ordained pastor, Jay has spent his career guiding and inspiring his congregations. He has a powerful personal connection to organ donation and transplantation, as his brother became a living kidney donor to help save the life of their father. Jay’s involvement with NJ Sharing Network began in 2007 when he joined as the Family Support and Faith-Based Outreach Coordinator. He later advanced to become Manager of Family Services, where he led a team dedicated to emotionally and spiritually supporting families throughout the organ and tissue donation process. Jay worked closely with donor families, hospitals, and NJ Sharing Network team members to ensure that best practices were followed in every case.
Laura W. Patt, LNHA, CPA, CFF, CIRA – Treasurer
Laura W. Patt is a seasoned financial expert with more than 20 years of experience in bankruptcy, restructuring, forensic accounting, and distressed mergers and acquisitions. As a Managing Director at Vernon Consulting, Inc., Laura has guided organizations across healthcare, construction, technology, real estate, and nonprofit sectors through complex financial challenges. She is widely recognized for her work as a Patient Care Ombudsman (PCO) in high-profile Chapter 11 cases, where she ensured healthcare providers maintained patient care standards during restructuring. Beyond her PCO roles, she has served as a trusted financial advisor and accountant for debtors, creditors, and trustees. Earlier in her career, Laura held roles with the U.S. Trustee’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service, building expertise in regulatory compliance and financial oversight. She also served as Treasurer for the Phoenix Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, managing financial systems for the $4 million organization. Laura is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor, and a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Laura joined NJ Sharing Network’s Governing Board of Trustees in 2018.
Dr. Mary A. Ditri, DHA, FHELA, FACHE – Secretary
Hometown: Neptune, NJ
Dr. Mary A. Ditri is an accomplished healthcare leader with more than 30 years of experience improving health outcomes through innovative population health, quality improvement, and community-based initiatives. Dr. Ditri currently serves as Senior Vice President of Population Health for the New Jersey Hospital Association, where she leads statewide efforts bridging prevention, treatment, and community health interventions. Throughout her career, Mary has directed major federally and state-funded programs focused on maternal health, behavioral health, mental health, veteran services, substance use, suicide prevention, and harm reduction. She has served as a trusted advisor on a wide range of healthcare issues and actively contributes her expertise to state and national advisory groups, including the National Quality Partners Serious Mental Illness Action Team. Dr. Ditri’s work is widely published in healthcare leadership and quality journals, and she is a sought-after speaker on population health, behavioral health collaboration, and system-level care innovations. A Fellow of both the American College of Healthcare Executives and the New Jersey Healthcare Executives Leadership Academy, Dr. Ditri joined NJ Sharing Network’s Governing Board of Trustees in 2023.
Jane Buckiewicz – New Board Member
Hometown: Point Pleasant, NJ
Jane Buckiewicz has been a dedicated volunteer with NJ Sharing Network since 2016. She became involved with the organization after her son, Dan, became a donor in 2009, saving the lives of three individuals and enhancing the lives of many more through tissue donation. Jane’s professional background includes a long career in finance and human resources. She served as the Vice President of Finance and Human Resources for Blue Buffalo, retiring in 2016. Jane also holds professional certifications as a Public Accountant and in Secondary Education in New Jersey. She has been actively involved in several community organizations, including the Blue Buffalo Foundation for Pet Cancer Research and Habitat for Humanity. Jane has previously served as Vice Chair of the Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees and contributed to numerous initiatives, including the Golf Classic & Tennis Tournament, the 5K Celebration of Life, and the Finance and Audit Committee.
Dr. Nitin Puri – New Board Member
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Dr. Nitin Puri is a critical care specialist and serves as the Division Head of Critical Care Medicine and Medical Director for the Center of Critical Care Medicine at Cooper University Health Care. Dr. Puri has more than 20 years of medical experience and is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine, Neurocritical Care Medicine, and Critical Care Ultrasound. He is also an Associate Professor of Medicine at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, where he mentors future medical professionals. Throughout his career, Dr. Puri has been involved in numerous medical and academic initiatives and has shown an unwavering commitment to improving patient care.