People: George F. Billington
George F. Billington
George F. Billington served as Chief Executive Officer of Elizabeth General from 1963 to 1991. During his tenure the hospital experienced profound growth in many areas, including the development of behavioral health services into one of the largest and most comprehensive mental health centers in New Jersey. Under his leadership the Elizabeth General School of Nursing grew to become a leading provider of quality nursing education, and together with Union County College developed the nation’s first evening and weekend programs of study. He was instrumental in Elizabeth General’s acquisition of Alexian Brothers Hospital in 1990. Mr. Billington authored several books on hospital administration and served as Chairman of both the New Jersey Hospital Association and the Center for Health Affairs.
George F. Billington
George F. Billington
Board President Walter S. Angielski, trustee Harold Berry and hospital CEO George F. Billington.
Elizabeth General Hospital President George F. Billington congratulates a graduate of the Elizabeth General Medical Center School of Nursing at one of many graduation events held by the prestigious school.
Mr. Billington was the leading figure at most of the events at Elizabeth General Medical Center over the course of his tenure. Opening new wings, announcing important programs and services and recognizing those on staff and in the community who made key contributions were all part of his leadership.
George F. Billington announces another construction project and answers questions from the audience. Explaining what the need was, and how EGMC proposed to address it, was an integral part of the hospital's success.
This information was last reviewed or updated on July 18, 2025. Adjustments may be made to this page as new information is added, making this a continual work in progress.
1922 Cornerstone Removed
History repeats itself at Elizabeth General Hospital where George F. Billington, hospital director, removes box from 1922 cornerstone as John R. Haire, president of the board of trustees, watches. The stone is being destroyed to make way for new construction. Among the treasures it contained was a Dec. 30, 1922 Elizabeth Daily Journal with a front page story announcing the forthcoming cornerstone laying. It reported that two older strongboxes taken from 1892 and 1896 cornerstones would be included, and workmen cut away considerable stone but failed to find them. Also in the 1922 cornerstone were old coins and a note that the hospital census that day was 73.
Elizabeth Daily Journal, August 19,1970
Billington Advances At the General
In October, 1970, seven years into George Billington's tenure at Elizabeth General, he was promoted from director to Executive Vice-President and Director that was announced to the public in the Elizabeth Daily Journal. John R. Haire, President of the Board of Trustees, explained that the new position was in line with what other large hospitals in New Jersey and elsewhere were doing to place fuller authority in the hands of the professional manager.
Mr. Billington was the former assistant director of Somerset Hospital. He holds a BA degree from New York University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and an MS in hospital administration from Columbia University.
He was a member of the board of trustees of the Hospital Research and Educational Trust of New Jersey, he is an incorporator and founder of the Hospital and Health Council of Metropolitan New Jersey and a member of its board of trustees. Mr. Billington is also a member of the Union County Hospital Society, the Elizabeth Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Union County and is a member of the board of trustees of the Union County Mental Health Association.
Elizabeth Daily Journal, October 5,1970