Mangano names new head of Nassau Health Care Corp.

Craig Rizzo, of Woodbury, a member of the Nassau Health Care Corp.'s board of directors, has been tapped by County Executive Edward Mangano as the new chairman.

Rizzo, 41, a lawyer with a Mineola law firm specializing in medical malpractice, will replace Martin Payson of Manhattan, a lawyer and former media icon who had chaired the board since May 2006. Payson resigned earlier this week.

"Craig brings . . . invaluable leadership experience in government, business and health care . . . [that] will serve him well in his responsibilities as board chairman," Mangano said.

The board oversees the corporation running the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, Nassau's only public hospital, the A. Holly Patterson Geriatric Center in Uniondale and five community health clinics.

"I am deeply honored," Rizzo said. "I look forward to working with Art Gianelli, the board and the staff of about 3,800 employees, while also serving our county residents."

Rizzo was the choice of the Republican county legislators last year.

"He is extremely qualified and will be an outstanding chairman," said presiding officer Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa).

Larry Elovich, a former Long Beach Democratic leader and the senior member of the board, said, "Rizzo will have big shoes to fill. But the county executive has the right to appoint his own person as chairman, and he has picked a person who will work hard for the betterment of the health care corporation."

Arthur Gianelli, the corporation's chief executive, praised the departed Payson and called Rizzo "a bright, young and energetic partner" whom he looks forward to working with.