Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) today announced a new leadership structure designed to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and drive innovation across the network.

Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) today announced a new leadership structure designed to enhance patient care, streamline operations, and drive innovation across the network. This restructuring follows the planned retirement of Chief Operating Officer (COO) Mark Stauder, effective July 2, 2025. Stauder will transition to an advisory role before fully retiring later in the year.

Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, a 30-year veteran of HMH, will succeed Stauder as COO, effective July 2, 2025. 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 into this critical role seamlessly. As COO, Sparta will lead the operational and management functions for our acute care hospitals, children’s and specialty hospitals, patient care services, clinical Joint Ventures, ambulatory services, facilities and construction, real estate, and network-wide clinical services and service lines. 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,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. “His vision and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of transforming healthcare.”

Sparta began his career at HMH as a staff physical therapist and has steadily progressed through various leadership roles. His accomplishments include spearheading the development of the Helena Theurer Pavilion at Hackensack University Medical Center and expanding ambulatory and urgent care services in the northern region.

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.

Kenneth N. Sable, MD, MBA, FACEP, a 11-year veteran of HMH, with 26 years experience in healthcare, and current President of the Southern Market, has been appointed President, Acute Care Hospital Division. In this position, 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 M. Foley, PhD, MBA, RN, 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.

Both Sable and Foley have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to quality care throughout their tenures.

Jose Azar, MD, 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. In this expanded role, Azar will now also oversee the development of HMH’s network clinical service lines with a focus on quality and growth.

“Ken, Regina, and Jose are exceptional leaders who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to quality, innovation, and patient-centered care,” said Garrett. “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.