Hackensack Meridian CEO plans to retire: ‘The privilege of a lifetime’

Robert C. Garrett has described himself as an optimist by nature.

During a recent virtual roundtable discussion presented by Chief Healthcare Executive, Garrett, the CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, says he’s enthusiastic about AI and other technologies that could revolutionize care for patients.

“There's nothing that gives me more optimism than thinking about how we can harness that technology to do what's right for our patients and our communities,” Garrett says.

Garrett has also overseen sweeping changes of Hackensack Meridian, which operates 18 hospitals and more than 500 sites of care in New Jersey. Hackensack Meridian announced Monday that Garrett is planning to step down as CEO of the New Jersey health system next year.

He plans to retire effective June 30, 2027.

"I have had the honor of working for this incredible organization for virtually all of my career,'' Garrett said in a statement released by Hackensack Meridian.

"I am filled with a profound sense of accomplishment for the positive impact we have made,” Garrett said. “The dedication and compassion of our teams have been the cornerstone of our success, and I am confident that this commitment to excellence will continue to thrive. Leading Hackensack Meridian has been the privilege of a lifetime."

Search for successor

Hackensack Meridian has established a goal of naming Garrett’s successor before the end of the first quarter of 2027. Garrett intends to serve as CEO Emeritus on July 1, 2027 and will hold that position for one year to aid with the transition, the system says.

The news comes in an eventful week for Hackensack Meridian. Just last week, Hackensack Meridian announced it had a $125 million contribution, touting it as the largest gift ever to a New Jersey health system.

The contributor asked to remain anonymous. Hackensack Meridian says the gift will be used to transform the Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

While not seeking public recognition, the donor asked for a pavilion at the medical center to be named in honor of the late John K. Lloyd, a longtime president of Jersey Shore. Lloyd played a critical role in the formation of Hackensack Meridian Health, and served with Garrett as co-CEO of the system before retiring in 2018.

Garrett praised the donor for both the contribution and for doing so without seeking public acknowledgment.

“In a year when the largest gifts in American healthcare have come from some of the most recognizable names in the country, someone chose to give $125 million and ask for nothing — no name on the building, no announcement, no recognition,” Garrett said in a statement from the health system.

‘Incredible legacy’

Hackensack Meridian Health was formed a decade ago, following the merger of the Hackensack University Health Network and Meridian Health in 2016. Hackensack Meridian is New Jersey’s largest health system.

Marc L. Boom, MD, president and CEO of Houston Methodist and board chairman of the American Hospital Association, praised Garrett’s “incredible legacy of improving the quality and reach of healthcare for communities throughout New Jersey.”

"He has been steadfast and proven in his ability to drive true transformation and deliver for patients today and for generations to come,” Bloom said in a statement provided by Hackensack Meridian. “We are grateful to have had him as a national leader and wish him the very best in his next chapter."

Garrett has also spoken out about the need to make care more affordable for patients. During the Chief Healthcare Executive Roundtable, Garrett said healthcare leaders can’t ignore the problems with affordability.

“We have a real responsibility to tackle it, to get the various stakeholders together and make healthcare more affordable, because it's reached a crisis point in a lot of ways,” Garrett said.

Garrett has also been outspoken in his enthusiasm for AI, both in terms of treating patients and developing new cures.

During the 2024 HIMSS conference, Garrett said that AI can be part of the solution in closing disparities in care.

“There’s no question in my mind that AI can help to drive health equity, if it's done correctly,” Garrett said at the conference.

“I think about health equity in terms of even identifying the social determinants of health, who's at risk for one or more of the social determinants of health, and how can we really address that by linking people who have those exposures to great care and to great resources,” he said. “AI can really bridge that gap and hopefully close some of the disparities that exist in healthcare outcomes today.”