Montefiore Health System announced on Tuesday, Feb. 8, that Ruben Diaz Jr., former Bronx Borough President, has joined Montefiore as senior vice president of strategic initiatives. Diaz Jr. served as Bronx borough president from 2009-2021, where according to the official press release, he led an unprecedented revival of The Bronx in areas of economic development, job creation, health, and housing. Prior to serving as borough president, Diaz Jr. was a member of the New York State Assembly from 1997-2009.

 

Dr. Philip O. Ozuah, president and CEO of Montefiore Health System, said, in the context of the announcement, “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.”

 

Reacting to the announcement, the Diaz Jr. said, “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.” He added, “I have always been proud to call them my ally in our borough’s ongoing work to improve the lives of Bronx residents.”

 

According to the official press release approved by Montefiore, officials said that through his leadership, Diaz Jr. 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,” officials said.

They added that when COVID-19 struck the nation in 2020, Diaz Jr. led the borough’s efforts to distribute millions of pieces of PPE to borough residents, and later drove efforts to bring both testing and vaccination sites to the borough.

 

In addition, the press release noted that in 2015, Diaz Jr. partnered with Montefiore and others to launch the “#Not62 campaign,” as reported by Norwood News. The campaign is 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.

 

Diaz Jr. has also been a proponent of exercise and has previously participated in various bike and sporting events around the borough, such as the launch of the Citibike program, pictured here in July 2019.

 

Diaz Jr. 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. As reported, he was also honored at Lehman College last year when he received the college’s presidential medal. A lifelong resident of The Bronx, the former borough president lives in the Soundview neighborhood with his wife, Hilda. He also has two sons, Ruben III and Ryan.