Our preceptors provide fellows with ongoing support and guidance for learning opportunities, professional development and project work throughout the fellowship.
Carol Vargas
Vice President, Integrated Care
As the Vice President of Integrated Care at Atlantic Health System, Carol Vargas is focused on connecting clinical, behavioral, and social care across the continuum to produce great health outcomes, improve the patient experience, and lower the total cost of care. Since Carol joined Atlantic Health System in 2017 she has built strategies and programs in care coordination, post-acute care, community health, behavioral health, and telemedicine. Together, these initiatives support the system’s transition to value-based care and population health. With a sharp focus on improving outcomes and making care more affordable, Carol and her teams are transforming how care is delivered.
Carol attended the University of Rochester where she pursued her dual passions of health and business. She earned two bachelor of arts degrees; focusing on economics and health, behavior, and society. After years of corporate consulting, she moved to the not-for-profit sector to follow her passion of improving care and quality of life for older adults. Carol obtained her master of public health degree from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service where she was the Leslie Jane Rosen Scholar recipient. After working in hospital administration for 15 years, she transitioned to the Integrated Care role, which is her dream job.
Colleen McManus
Executive Director, Operations
With more than 20 years of experience, Colleen McManus supports Atlantic Health System as the Executive Director of System Operations. Prior to her role, she held the role of Chief Operating Officer of Morristown Medical Center. Currently, she has an expanded system-wide responsibility for food services, environmental services, patient transport, respiratory therapy, bed management, and the clinical operations center. Her leadership and innovation initiatives support patient care to improve quality, enhance patient experience, and decrease costs.
Colleen attended New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service where she received her master’s degree in public administration, with a concentration in health care. Prior to working at Atlantic Health System, she also served as a Vice President for New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York.