Matthew Bruderman, Nassau University Medical Center’s (NUMC) recently ousted chair, was the victim of a burglary at his home. Just hours later, he was threatened with firing from his new job. In Md., thieves stole sensitive documents related to a federal investigation into accusations of fraud by former hospital executives. This reckless move has further inflamed an explosive, multifaceted scandal. In turn, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman took decisive action, firing Bruderman from his job as the culprit came under increasing fire over the theft.
Officials were allegedly seeking evidence related to a separate federal corruption probe while raiding Bruderman’s home. He celebrated that this investigation includes more than $1 billion in absent money since 2006. He revealed that much of the stolen materials were part of a federal investigation into fiscal wrongdoing at NUMC. This revelation turned the issue into an emergency. With Bruderman at the helm, the hospital had come a long way, cutting its multi-million dollar deficits and stabilized financial rating.
In a move few predicted, Blakeman appointed Dr. Irina Gelman to succeed Bruderman. He complimented her professionalism and her impressive qualifications.
“We thank Matt Bruderman for his service as Chairman of the Board of Nassau University Medical Center. Under his leadership, NUMC was able to reduce its deficits by significant margins and improve its ratings,” Blakeman stated.
At the beginning of his role, Bruderman was tasked with addressing NUMC’s financial crisis. Only two years before, the agency was staring down a projected shortfall of almost $200 million. In stark contrast, during his tenure, NUMC was expected to earn about $11 million. He pushed out ambitious milestones, but the pressure quickly ramped up. He alleged that elected officials, up to and including Governor Kathy Hochul, were gunning for his ouster for exposing corruption.
In the wake of these controversial developments, Bruderman alleged to have received death threats concerning his job.
“I was told if I didn’t resign today, like a coward, I would be removed. I was told [Gov.] Kathy Hochul wanted my head for exposing the corruption and previously supporting Lee Zeldin,” he said. “I refused to resign and they had no choice but to remove me.”
Blakeman’s choice to terminate Bruderman is the most recent indicator that the political tide has turned against NUMC. Up until then, the county exec had seemed to come out swinging in line with Bruderman’s allegations about gross financial malpractice at the hospital. Now, the focus shifts to Dr. Gelman, who Blakeman described as “uniquely qualified to lead the NUMC board as both a member and its new chair.”
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