Joseph P. Chirichella, President and CEO of Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Browns Mills has announced the appointment of Joseph R. Manni as Vice President, Operations – Chief Operating Officer.

He is also currently serving as Interim Chief Operating Officer of the Deborah Hospital Foundation, the fundraising arm of Deborah Heart and Lung Center.

Manni has been with Deborah since 1985, serving in various administrative and management capacities. He has held the position of Director of Support Services since 1998.

A graduate of the University of Scranton with a BS in Biology and Chemistry, Manni also holds a Master's in Healthcare Administration from St. Joseph's University.

The position of Vice President, Operations at Deborah opened January 1, when Chirichella, who held the position, was named President and CEO of the hospital, succeeding John R. Ernst who retired after 40 years.

"It is an exceptional pleasure to appoint Joe to this new position," said Chirichella. "Joe has 25 years with Deborah and knows the organization from top to bottom. As Director of Support Services he was my right hand for more than a decade. He is the perfect fit for this position."

Chirichella added: "It is always terrific when we take advantage of leadership from within. Joe has earned this new position with his hard work, deep ethics, and business acumen. I look forward to his contributions moving forward."

The appointment was effective February 7, 2011.