Day in and Day Out

Edition: January 2009 - Vol 17 Number 01
Article#: 3095
Author: Repertoire

Howard Shiffman is in to this growth thing. As the president of a New Jersey-based medical distribution company, Shiffman has successfully positioned his operation in key markets in three states. As chairman of the board of Palisades Medical Center, he's overseen the growth of local healthcare facilities and programs. As a result, the Palisades Medical Center Foundation recently honored Shiffman for his years of service and leadership at its 2008 Star Stream Ball.

Shiffman and U.S. Congressman Albio Sires were honored by the foundation at the Hyatt Regency on the Hudson in Jersey City at the black tie event. According to the foundation, the event raised more than $250,000.

Committed to the cause

Shiffman serves as president of Bergenfield, N.J.-based Cornell Surgical Co., a family-owned operation that distributes medical-surgical supplies and equipment, home care supplies, rehabilitation equipment, and other specialty care items to customers in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The company was started by Shiffman's father, John Shiffman, in 1945, with Howard becoming president in 1962. Since that time he's overseen tremendous growth, including three expansions that have brought the distributor to its current 22,000 square foot facility in Bergenfield, and a pair of acquisitions between 1999 and 2000. The company also celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2005.

In 1990, Cornell Surgical joined IMCO, of which Shiffman is now a board member. He has served as chairman of the Physician Advisory Council of the Health Industries Distributors Association (HIDA) and is currently a member of its National Advocacy Council.

Shiffman has also been active with North Bergen, N.J.-based Palisades Medical Center. He joined the board of governors in 1987 and has served in almost every board office. He chaired the Audit and Compliance, Nominating and By-Laws, Strategic Planning and Autumn Ball Committees. In earlier years, Howard was an active member of the board of governors of North Hudson Hospital, the former home of Palisades. In 2006, he became the Palisades Medical Center's chairman of the board.

Shiffman's commitment to the local healthcare community is a family affair. His wife, Beth, is a member of the 2008 Star Stream Ball Committee. David, his brother and business partner, also serves Palisades Medical Center as a member of the Finance committee. His daughter, Jodi, and her husband, Steve, have two children, Erika and Alec. His son, Adam, also works at Cornell Surgical. Adam and his wife, Kristen, have three children, Amanda, Jared and Sydney.

"I am truly proud and inspired by the lifetime of service and dedication my father has provided the medical community, and his family business," says Adam Shiffman. "He has never let that devotion take away from his admirable fathering and grandfathering he has provided me and my sister, as well as his five grandchildren."