Bob Garrett, one of the most impactful and important New Jersey business leaders of the 21st century, will retire as CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, effective June 30, 2027, the organization announced Monday.
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HMH officials said they will begin a national search for his successor with the aim of naming a new CEO in the first quarter of 2027. 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.
Garrett, who will be inducted in the New Jersey Hall of Fame on Thursday, has an incredible list of accomplishments during his more than 40-year career — with any one of them being significant enough to be considered a career capper, including (in chronological order):
HMH Creation (2016): Co-leading the merger of Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health with the late John Lloyd of Meridian, creating one of the two dominant health systems in the state;
Med School (2018): Launching the state’s first private medical school in more than 60 years, the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine;
Behavioral Health (2019): Adding the Carrier Clinic into the organization, creating the state’s largest behavioral-health provider and an ahead-of-the-curve recognition of the importance of mental health care;
Research (2019): Creating a world-class biomedical research institute, the Center for Discovery and Innovation, instead of outsourcing science to universities;
COVID Care (2020-22): Becoming a world leader in the care of those with COVID-19 when the system’s flagship hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center, became the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States;
Smart Hospital (2023): Building one of the country’s first “smart hospitals” as the Helena Theurer Pavilion at HUMC was built around robotics-heavy surgical infrastructure and best-in-class technology in patient rooms;
Global Leader (2023): Becoming chair of the World Economic Forum’s Health and Healthcare Governors Community, a recognition of his global impact;
National Recognition (2025): Helping HUMC become the first hospital in state history to earn a spot on the U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll, which recognizes the top 20 hospitals in the country.
Support (2026): Helping HMH near the completion of its $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
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 double its size at launch.
HMH Board Chair Keith Banks said the growth is a reflection of Garrett’s excellence.
“Under Bob’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,” he said. “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.”
Gov. Mikie Sherrill called Garrett a transformative leader.
“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,” she 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.”
Dr. Marc Boom, board chair of the American Hospital Association and CEO of Houston Methodist, said Garrett’s impact was felt throughout the sector.
“Bob Garrett leaves an incredible legacy of improving the quality and reach of healthcare for communities throughout New Jersey,” he said. “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.”
Garrett has been a regular on numerous BINJE’s Best lists since the site was founded in 2025, including the No. 1 spot on the Health Care list.
HMH has received many national recognitions during his tenure, but Garrett may be proudest of the system’s accomplishments within the state, including its flagship hospital, HUMC, being the only New Jersey hospital ranked No. 1 for both adult and children’s care by U.S. News for two years running, having the top-ranked cancer center in New Jersey and seeing eight network hospitals earn 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.
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. 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.
Garrett, who joined the organization in 1981, expressed gratitude for the connection.
“I have had the honor of working for this incredible organization for virtually all of my career,” he 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.”
