Iselin, N.J. – September 21, 2026 -- Hackensack Meridian Health's Board of Trustees announced that CEO Robert C. Garrett will retire effective June 30, 2027, ending a tenure that built New Jersey's largest health network from the ground up. A national search for his successor is now underway, with the Board targeting a decision by the end of the first quarter of 2027.
Network expanded to 18 hospitals and 41,000 employees over ten years
Since HMH's creation a decade ago, the system has grown to 18 hospitals, 41,000 team members and more than 500 patient care locations across New Jersey — nearly triple its size at launch. Under Garrett, the network also opened the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, the state's first new private medical school in decades, alongside a new discovery research center.
Hackensack University Medical Center holds top state rankings for two straight years
U.S. News & World Report ranks Hackensack University Medical Center No. 1 in New Jersey and No. 4 in the New York-New Jersey Metro Area, the only hospital in the state ranked No. 1 for both adult and children's care for a second consecutive year. The network's cancer center also holds the No. 1 ranking in New Jersey, while eight HMH hospitals have earned four- and five-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. HMH ranked No. 39 on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list this year.
$1 billion fundraising campaign nears completion with record $125 million gift
HMH is close to finishing its "Be the Difference" campaign, targeting $1 billion in donations. The campaign includes a $125 million gift, described as the largest single donation of its kind in New Jersey healthcare history and among the largest to any U.S. hospital or health system.
Garrett to remain CEO through transition, then serve as Emeritus for up to one year
Garrett will continue in his role until the Board completes its succession search, then shift to CEO Emeritus on July 1, 2027, for up to one year to support the incoming leader. Board Chair Keith Banks credited Garrett with driving "unprecedented growth and transformation" while positioning HMH for continued expansion.
Garrett has chaired the World Economic Forum's Health and Healthcare Governors Community and appeared on Modern Healthcare's 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare list for four consecutive years. He received the 2025 Ellis Island Award and is set for induction into the New Jersey Hall of Fame this month.