Joseph J. Roberts, Jr.
I am pleased to announce that Cooper University Hospital will be dedicating the Pavilion in honor of Joseph J. Roberts, Jr., former New Jersey Assembly Speaker and long-time advocate for Cooper, Camden and South Jersey.
In naming the Pavilion after Mr. Roberts, one need not look any further than his years of dedicated service in elected office. Speaker Roberts was a voice for those who didn’t have a “seat at the table.” He was a tireless advocate for the people of Camden. His vision and foresight made the Cooper University Hospital patient Pavilion a reality.
Roberts began his government service in 1976 when he was elected to the Bellmawr Board of Education, followed by his election to Borough Council. He then served on the Camden County Board of Freeholders for seven years (1980-1987) and was the Freeholder Director for four of those years. Roberts took his seat in the New Jersey Assembly in 1987. From there he won re-election an unprecedented eleven times. He was Majority Leader from 2002 to 2006 and Speaker of the Assembly from 2006 to 2009.
Speaker Roberts was a primary proponent of the Camden Recovery Act, a much-needed catalyst for the transformation of Camden City. Cooper University Hospital would not be all it is today without the leadership of Speaker Roberts–a man of his word and a champion of healthcare and education for the residents of Camden, Camden County and South Jersey.
The official dedication ceremony will take place on July 20, 2010 in the Pavilion Lobby.
JOHN P. SHERIDAN, JR.
President and Chief Executive Officer