Hackensack University Medical Center President and Chief Hospital Executive Receives Community Service Award from Community Resource Council

On November 6, 2019, Mark D. Sparta, FACHE, was honored by the Community Resource Council (CRC) at the organization’s 25th Annual Dr. Harry Brandeis Memorial Community Service Awards Dinner, held at Seasons Restaurant in Washington Township, New Jersey. Mr. Sparta is president and chief hospital executive of Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack University Medical Center and executive vice president of Population Health for Hackensack Meridian Health.

The CRC is an alliance of agencies and individuals that promote the health and well-being of Bergen County, New Jersey, residents. The annual community service awards dinner was established to honor the memory of Dr. Harry Brandeis, a highly respected, distinguished Bergen County physician and philanthropist who served as president of the CRC Board of Trustees for many years.

Mr. Sparta was recognized by the CRC for his significant contributions to the community and for representing Dr. Brandeis’ vision and philosophy of community service.

“It is an honor to be recognized by the Community Resource Council,” said Mr. Sparta. “The Community Resource Council’s mission to provide health and human services assistance to residents of Bergen County closely aligns with Hackensack Meridian Health’s goal of promoting optimal population health throughout New Jersey. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues at Hackensack Meridian Health and in the community to find innovative ways to improve the well-being of New Jersey’s residents.”

Leading Hackensack University Medical Center, Mr. Sparta oversees a budget of $2 billion and an operating margin of more than $200 million. Through his role at Hackensack Meridian Health’s academic flagship hospital, Mr. Sparta executes his Population Health responsibilities on a large scale and implements successful programs network-wide, benefiting patients — as well as New Jersey residents and communities — with his visionary leadership.

Focused on value-based payer partnerships and alternative care delivery strategies, Mr. Sparta leverages dual expertise in clinical and operational backgrounds to achieve exceptional and sustainable results. A licensed physical therapist by training, he has had the opportunity to view systems first-hand while practicing clinically at Hackensack University Medical Center. Prior to his current role, Mr. Sparta served as chief operating officer at Hackensack University Medical Center. He previously served as acting CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center as well as several other senior leadership roles at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Mr. Sparta further demonstrates his commitment to the community through service on non-profit boards, including the Meadowlands Regional Chamber of Commerce, and through volunteer activities including Wishes Come True golf outings to benefit chronically ill children and the American Diabetes Association Walk for the Cure. Mr. Sparta is also a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and has served as president of the (ACHE-NJ).

In his various leadership roles, Mr. Sparta bases his leadership decisions on doing what is best for patients and the community — and he has motivated his colleagues to do the same. Functioning under this premise, Mr. Sparta is an essential part of the Hackensack Meridian Health team and a distinguished community humanitarian.

Other CRC honorees included Captain Bill Sheehan, founder and executive director of Hackensack Riverkeeper, and Carol Silver Elliott, president and CEO of the Jewish Family Home.