Zufall Health is proud to welcome Jonathan Barrera, associate at Riker Danzig LLP, to its Board of Directors. Barrera brings a powerful combination of legal expertise and personal connection to the communities Zufall Health serves. 

Born in North Bergen, New Jersey to parents who immigrated from Peru, Barrera’s early life was shaped by firsthand experience with community health centers like Zufall Health. That connection, he says, made joining the Board deeply meaningful. 

“Watching Zufall Health’s patient story [at a recent Zufall Health event] brought back memories of going with my mother to community clinics before my parents had insurance,” said Barrera. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but those health centers were essential to our lives. That experience stayed with me — and it’s why Zufall Health’s mission resonates so strongly.” 

Barrera earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management from St. John’s University before receiving his law degree from Seton Hall University School of Law. He began his legal career clerking for the Honorable Lourdes Santiago in Hudson County Superior Court, followed by more than a decade of service as a prosecutor at both the Hudson County Prosecutors Office and the Passaic County Prosecutors Office. In 2025, he joined Riker Danzig, where he focuses on white collar criminal defense, investigations, and commercial litigation. 

He was introduced to Zufall Health by longtime board member and recently retired Riker Danzig co-managing partner Michael O’Donnell, who encouraged Barrera to continue the firm’s legacy of board leadership. 

“Growing up, I lived in the same types of communities that Zufall Health serves today,” Barrera shared. “I saw how grateful people were for access to care — and I lived it myself. Healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be healthy.” 

Since joining the Board, Barrera has been eager to deepen his understanding of Zufall Health’s operations and long-term impact. 

“What excites me most is seeing the dedication behind the scenes — the people, the planning, and the care it takes to make something like Zufall Health work at the scale it does,” he said. “Understanding that day-to-day effort helps us better guide the organization so it can grow and reach even more people.” 

Zufall Health’s CEO, Fran Palm, welcomed Barrera’s appointment, noting the importance of lived experience alongside professional expertise.  

“We are thrilled to have Jonathan join Zufall Health’s board and can already see how much he believes in our mission. We look forward to benefiting from his skills and experience as the organization continues to maximize the positive impact on patients and communities we serve. “