Recognized for his numerous achievements, Virtua Health President and CEO Dennis W. Pullin, FACHE, has been named one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2025. The full list appears in the December issue of Modern Healthcare magazine, and profiles of the honorees are posted at ModernHealthcare.com/100MostInfluential.

This marks the second time Pullin has received this honor, which recognizes the industry’s most influential figures in terms of leadership and impact. Honorees are chosen by the journalists of Modern Healthcare, a leading national publication for the health care industry.

“Influence can be exerted in many ways, but regardless of whether it is used to internally shape organizations, the healthcare industry as a whole, or both, playing a positive role benefits patients and the professionals responsible for their health,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Our ranked list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare highlights the executives in all corners of the industry who are striving to advance medicine and how care is delivered—and succeeding in doing so.”

“Dennis is a passionate, purposeful leader and innovative thinker who’s made vital contributions to both Virtua and the health care industry for many years,” said John Matsinger, DO, MBA, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Virtua Health. “Dennis is always open to new ideas for how we can deliver better care, and he is laser-focused on creating the best possible experience for our patients and community, as well as our workforce.” 

A recognized thought leader and advocate for health equity, Pullin has earned other esteemed awards, as well. He was named one of the Top 10 Healthcare Leaders in the U.S. by Healthcare Digital in 2024. Modern Healthcare recognized him as one of the nation’s Top 25 Diversity Leaders in Healthcare in 2024 (and two prior years). And the year before, Modern Healthcare chose him as one of the 25 Top Innovators in Healthcare, as well as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the industry nationwide.

Since joining Virtua as its leader in 2017, Pullin has shared his insights widely. A frequent speaker at national conferences, he recently wrote a best-selling book, “Suited for Leadership,” containing his advice and lessons learned during his accomplished career. He also hosts a podcast, Here for Good, in which he interviews other transformational leaders from a range of industries and backgrounds.

t Virtua, he has led multiple achievements this year, including:

• Launching a collaboration for a four-year, $5 million effort to fight poverty in Camden.
• Starting the multi-year, multi-million renovation and expansion project at Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Virtua’s hub for tertiary (advanced) care.
• The expansion of Virtua’s Eat Well food-access program to include a new Mobile Grocery Store and its first Mobile Food Farmacy. These vehicles address health disparities by making nutritious foods more accessible and affordable.
• The opening of Oliver Station, an innovative Camden community featuring beautiful, affordable senior housing and a Virtua medical practice, in partnership with developer The Michaels Organization.

Thanks in large part to Pullin, Virtua is a national and regional “best place to work.” This year, Virtua was featured on Newsweek’s list of America’s Greatest Workplaces, as well as the publication’s inaugural list of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Health Care. And Virtua is the only health system in New Jersey to make Modern Healthcare’s 2025 list of Best Places to Work in Healthcare. Earlier this year, Newsweek named Virtua among the Best Places to Work for Women.

Additionally, Virtua has earned a prestigious spot on Forbes’s 2026 list of America’s Best Companies. The organization has also earned distinctions for its brand and reputation, as well as its clinical care and dedication to safety and patient outcomes.

Prior to joining Virtua, Pullin held leadership positions at health systems based in Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and in his home state of Texas. He serves on the American Hospital Association Board of Trustees and is a past member of the New Jersey Hospital Association Board of Trustees. In 2021, he was elected to the Board of Directors of Hillenbrand Inc.