Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) has redesigned its leadership structure to enhance patient care, streamline operations and drive innovation across the network. This restructuring follows the planned retirement of Chief Operating Officer Mark Stauder, effective July 2, 2025.
Stauder will transition to an advisory role before fully retiring later in the year.
Mark Sparta, a 30-year veteran of HMH, will succeed Stauder as COO. Sparta’s extensive experience within the network, including his leadership as president of the Northern Market and president & chief hospital executive of Hackensack University Medical Center, positions him to transition seamlessly into his new role. He will also assume the role of president of the HMH Hospitals Corporation and Hackensack Meridian Ambulatory Care Boards.
“Mark Sparta’s proven leadership, deep understanding of our organization, and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care make him the ideal choice to lead our operations,” Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health said.
To further optimize operations and enhance collaboration, HMH has eliminated the Regional President role and created two new positions: President, Acute Care Hospital Division, and President, Specialty Hospitals and Clinical Services.
Dr. Kenneth Sable, an 11-year veteran of HMH, with 26 years’ experience in health care, and current president of the Southern Market, has been appointed president, Acute Care Hospital Division. Sable will be responsible for directing the activities of the acute care hospitals to provide the highest level of quality care; and establishing current and long-range objectives, plans, programs, and policies in alignment with our overall strategic plan and mission.
Regina Foley, with over 35 years at HMH and currently serving as chief nurse executive & chief transformation and integration officer, has been appointed president, Specialty Hospitals and Clinical Services. In this position, Foley will be responsible for the overall strategic direction, operational performance, and clinical excellence of all specialty hospitals and clinical specialty services across HMH, including the operations at Carrier Clinic, Johnson Rehabilitation Institute, Long Term Acute Care Hospital at Raritan Bay, nursing, rehabilitation, pharmacy, imaging, laboratory, EMS/transfer center, transformation and the Integration Management Office.
Dr. Jose Azar has been appointed executive vice president, chief quality officer, and clinical service line officer. Since joining HMH in 2022 as chief quality officer, Azar has led the network’s efforts to continuously improve the safety, effectiveness, efficiency, patient focus, and timeliness of the health care provided for all patients and in all care settings
“Ken, Regina, and Jose are exceptional leaders who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to quality, innovation, and patient-centered care,” Garrett said. “Their expertise and dedication will be instrumental in driving HMH’s continued success, and I am confident they will excel in these new roles.”
“This strengthened leadership team of Mark, Ken, Regina and Jose will enable us to better serve our patients and communities by fostering innovation, enhancing quality, and driving growth across our network,” Garrett added.
