Hackensack Meridian Health CEO Robert C. Garrett Once Again Recognized as one of Modern Healthcare’s 100 Most Influential People

Garrett ranked #40 on the list

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health system, is proud to announce that Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health, was once again recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2023. Garrett ranked number 40 on the national list and is the highest ranking healthcare executive in New Jersey. The complete ranking can be found in the December 4 issue of MH magazine, and all profiles of the honorees are available online at ModernHealthcare.com/100MostInfluential.

This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential figures in the industry in terms of leadership and impact.

“Bob Garrett has been instrumental in transforming the way healthcare is delivered across New Jersey and beyond,” said Frank L. Fekete, CPA, Chair of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Board of Trustees. “Hackensack Meridian Health is incredibly proud that Bob’s visionary leadership is being recognized by Modern Healthcare, and we look forward to Bob’s continued leadership to drive positive change for even more patients and communities in the years ahead, advancing healthcare that is centered in equity and compassion.”

Mr. Garrett has served the Hackensack Meridian Health organization for over four decades. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Garrett has worked tirelessly to transform healthcare regionally and globally by leading network initiatives that elevate and expand access to care, enhance research and discovery, innovate medical education, improve quality outcomes, and advance pandemic-related recovery.

Under Mr. Garrett’s leadership, the network has been recognized as a leader in quality and health equity and has the number 1 adult and children’s hospitals in New Jersey and is number 1 in the nation in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). He also led his team to implement a comprehensive and robust social determinants of health (SDOH) program that provides integrated care management. Mr. Garrett was instrumental in establishing the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, which has graduated more than 160 students, helping to strengthen the physician pipeline and diversifying the physician workforce in New Jersey.

“The 2023 honorees on our 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare reflect the providers, insurers, technology firms, government leaders, investors and others who have made oversized contributions to the industry in the past year,” said Mary Ellen Podmolik, editor-in-chief of Modern Healthcare. “Our ranked list honors the C-suite decision-makers using their clout and influence to lead their organizations and make sweeping changes that affect patient care.”

Mr. Garrett championed the establishment of the Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), which now has $175 million in research commitments over five years, including a three-year $65 million NIH grant to create one of nine national centers to develop next-generation antiviral drugs to combat COVID-19.

In August, Mr. Garrett was appointed chair of the WEF Health and Healthcare Governor’s Community, overseeing a committee of Global CEOs. Additionally, Mr. Garrett participated in a United Nations panel which developed uniform global standards to help healthcare providers identify and aid victims of human trafficking, protocols sent to the World Health Organization for adoption.

For more information about the Modern Healthcare 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare list, visit: ModernHealthcare.com/100MostInfluential.