Joyce P. Hendricks of Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Named to Crain’s Notable Leaders in Philanthropy

Distinguished Chief Development Officer honored for advancing philanthropic innovation and transforming health care across New Jersey

Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, the philanthropic division of Hackensack Meridian Health, a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, is proud to announce that Joyce P. Hendricks, president and chief development officer, has been named one of Crain’s New York Business 2025 Notable Leaders in Philanthropy. This prestigious recognition honors individuals who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to creating meaningful change in their communities through philanthropy and nonprofit leadership.

With more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, including the past five years leading the Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation, Hendricks has distinguished herself as an innovative and mission-driven leader. Her leadership has been instrumental in changing the way philanthropic investment contributes to the future of New Jersey’s health care.

In her current role, Hendricks oversees fundraising across 18 hospitals, the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, the Center for Discovery and Innovation, and nearly 500 patient care locations. She leads a team of 85 professionals focused on connecting donor passion to strategic institutional priorities.

Hendricks, in collaboration with Hackensack Meridian Health CEO, Robert C. Garrett, is the architect of Be The Difference, Hackensack Meridian Health’s $1 billion philanthropic campaign—the largest and most ambitious fundraising initiative in the state’s health care history. The campaign is focused on four key pillars: enhancing patient care, accelerating groundbreaking research, expanding access to care and transforming education for the next generation of physicians and nurses. To date, the campaign has raised more than $685 million, fueling advancements that will benefit patients and communities for decades to come.

“Joyce brings an excellent combination of strategic insight and unwavering purpose to her work,” said Garrett. “She understands that philanthropy is not just about funding; it’s about transforming what’s possible in health care. This recognition reflects the extraordinary vision and impact she brings to our mission to transform healthcare in New Jersey and beyond."

Hendricks is widely respected for her ability to translate complex institutional goals into inspiring calls to action for donors, trustees and partners. She is known for fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, and for challenging conventional thinking to uncover new possibilities within the field of philanthropy.

Beyond her work at Hackensack Meridian Health, Hendricks is an active and engaged leader in the philanthropic sector. She serves as co-chair of the Healthcare Philanthropy Leadership Institute, is a member of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and is a trustee of both the Institute of International Education and Rutgers University, where she also contributes to the Audit Committee.

“I am deeply honored to be included among such an inspiring group of leaders,” said Hendricks. “This recognition reflects the generous donors, dedicated colleagues and visionary partners I’ve had the privilege of working with throughout my career. Together, we are building something greater than ourselves—an enduring legacy of compassion, innovation and hope for the communities we serve.”

The Crain’s Notable Leaders in Philanthropy list celebrates individuals who have served in leadership roles for at least 10 years and who have demonstrated measurable impact on the missions of their respective organizations. Honorees are selected through a peer nomination and editorial review process, with a focus on leadership excellence, innovation and commitment to community progress.

To learn more about Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation’s Be The Difference campaign, or to make a gift, please visit HMHBeTheDifference.org.