Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett to Retire After Leading NJ's Largest and National Award-Winning Health System

National search underway for the next CEO to continue growth, innovation and healthcare transformation

ISELIN, N.J., Sept. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees announced today that CEO Robert C. Garrett plans to retire effective June 30, 2027, capping an extraordinary career that resulted in the creation of the state's largest health network, the state's first new private medical school in decades and national rankings in quality, innovation and workforce culture.

"Under Bob Garrett's leadership, he and his exceptional team created the state's largest health network – which is nationally recognized for high-quality care, growth and innovation," said Keith Banks, chair of the HMH Board. "Bob has been the driving force behind HMH's unprecedented growth and transformation, its superior quality, innovation and commitment to building an exceptional workforce. At the heart of Bob's legacy is his unwavering belief that we must deliver the most innovative and compassionate care to all patients. HMH is solidly positioned for continued growth, and we are profoundly grateful to Bob and extend our warmest wishes to him for this well-deserved next chapter."

Since its creation 10 years ago, the HMH network has grown to 18 hospitals, 41,000 team members and more than 500 patient care locations throughout New Jersey, nearly triple the amount when the network first launched. The network also opened the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, a groundbreaking discovery research center and has become an international leader in clinical breakthroughs, lifesaving treatment and nationally ranked care.

HMH has received many national recognitions including: Hackensack University Medical Center is the #1 hospital in New Jersey, #4 in the New York-New Jersey Metro Area, and is the only hospital in New Jersey ranked #1 for both adult and children's care for a second year in a row, according to U.S. News & World Report. It also has the No. 1-ranked cancer center in New Jersey and eight network hospitals have earned elite four- and five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, placing them among the nation's highest performers. The network is also ranked No. 39 on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list this year among all industries. HMH is also nearing completion of a $1 billion Be the Difference fundraising campaign, which includes a $125 million gift, the largest gift of its kind in New Jersey healthcare, and among the largest donations to any hospital or health system in the United States.

"I have had the honor of working for this incredible organization for virtually all of my career,'' Mr. Garrett said. "I am filled with a profound sense of accomplishment for the positive impact we have made. The dedication and compassion of our teams have been the cornerstone of our success, and I am confident that this commitment to excellence will continue to thrive. Leading Hackensack Meridian has been the privilege of a lifetime."

"Throughout his distinguished career, Bob Garrett has been a transformative leader for Hackensack Meridian Health and a proven partner to New Jersey in our shared mission to ensure the health and well-being of everyone in our state," New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said. "His unwavering commitment to providing compassionate, high-quality care has benefitted countless patients and families. We are immensely grateful for his decades of service and we wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement."

Perhaps most importantly, HMH has expansive and successful strategies to ensure that all communities that the network serves have access to high-quality, affordable and convenient healthcare, spearheaded by Mr. Garrett. HMH is currently fighting health inequities in New Jersey through its extensive social determinants of health program, which helps identify at-risk people and provide necessary services through community referrals. 

"Bob Garrett leaves an incredible legacy of improving the quality and reach of healthcare for communities throughout New Jersey,'' said Marc L. Boom, M.D., Board Chair of the American Hospital Association president and CEO of Houston Methodist. "He has been steadfast and proven in his ability to drive true transformation and deliver for patients today and for generations to come. We are grateful to have had him as a national leader and wish him the very best in his next chapter."

A global healthcare leader, Mr. Garrett has served as Chair of the World Economic Forum's Health and Healthcare Governor's Community and has been recognized nationally for his achievements including Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare list for the last four years. He also received the prestigious 2025 Ellis Island Award, which is recognized by both houses of Congress and will be inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame this month.

To ensure a seamless transition, Mr. Garrett will continue as CEO until the Board of Trustees completes a national search for his successor. The Board will name a new CEO by the end of the first quarter of 2027 and Mr. Garrett will transition to the role of CEO Emeritus on July 1, 2027, for up to one year to assist the Board and the new CEO with the transition.

ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH

Hackensack Meridian Health brings together leading‑edge care, research, and medical education to deliver the best outcomes and care shaped around the unique needs of every patient we serve. By connecting prevention, specialty care, and life-saving discoveries, we improve every aspect of healthcare – from routine visits to the most advanced treatments, close to home and across the globe.

We ensure people can count on exceptional care today and benefit from the cures of tomorrow. Our not-for-profit network of 18 hospitals, 500+ care locations, and over 40,000 team members extend the horizon of health for all. And because medicine is never finished, we Keep Getting Better for every patient, family, and community who counts on us. Learn more at HackensackMeridianHealth.org, and to donate, visit GiveHMH.org.

SOURCE Hackensack Meridian Health