Two of North Jersey’s most influential leaders — Robert C. Garrett and Jim Kirkos — are once again sharing the spotlight.
Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health, was named the top healthcare leader on ROI-NJ’s 2026 Power List, ranking No. 4 overall on the publication’s “Super 75.”
Kirkos, president and CEO of the Meadowlands Regional Chamber and Meadowlands Live! Convention & Visitors Bureau, was also recognized among the state’s most influential voices in associations and organizations.
The two leaders operate in many of the same circles — and often, side by side.
Kirkos serves on Hackensack Meridian Health’s Ambulatory Care Board, while Garrett leads one of the state’s largest health networks, a system deeply embedded in the Meadowlands region’s business, workforce, and community infrastructure. Both are known for shaping policy, driving regional growth, and building partnerships that extend well beyond their respective industries.
Garrett’s continued presence near the top of ROI-NJ’s list underscores his influence in healthcare and statewide economic conversations.
“Bob Garrett has established himself as one of New Jersey’s most respected healthcare leaders, and this recognition is a testament to his positive impact across the state,” said Keith Banks, chair of Hackensack Meridian Health’s Board of Trustees.
Garrett, in a statement, pointed to the broader team behind the recognition.
“I am honored to be acknowledged by ROI-NJ along with so many of our leaders and board members, who are devoted to improving communities throughout New Jersey,” he said.
That reach extends into the Meadowlands, where healthcare, business and tourism increasingly intersect — and where both Garrett and Kirkos have built influence.
Kirkos, a longtime connector in the region, has positioned the Meadowlands as a hub for major events, business growth, and global attention, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium on the horizon. His role on Hackensack Meridian Health’s board reflects the growing overlap between healthcare leadership and regional economic strategy.
The ROI-NJ list also included several other Hackensack Meridian Health executives, including Jose Lozano, David Perlin, and Mark Sparta, as well as a roster of board members spanning banking, real estate, energy, and public affairs.
Taken together, the rankings highlight a tightly connected leadership ecosystem — one where Garrett and Kirkos continue to stand out as key players shaping both the healthcare landscape and the broader Meadowlands economy.
In addition to Garrett, the following Hackensack Meridian Health leaders were named to ROI-NJ’s list:
- Jose Lozano (Economic Development), executive vice president, chief growth officer, Hackensack Meridian Health
- David Perlin, Ph.D. (Health Care), chief scientific officer, Center for Discovery and Innovation (CDI), Hackensack Meridian Health
- Mark Sparta (Health Care), chief operating officer, Hackensack Meridian Health
“We are proud of our dedicated and talented leaders who are committed to their patients’ health and providing world-class, compassionate care,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health. “I am honored to be acknowledged by ROI-NJ along with so many of our leaders and board members, who are devoted to improving communities throughout New Jersey.”
The following Hackensack Meridian Health board members were named to ROI-NJ’s list:
- Amy Cradic (Energy and Environment), Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Non-Utility Businesses, Strategy and External Affairs at New Jersey Resources; Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Board
- Chris Maher (Banking), CEO, Chairman, Ocean First Bank, Chairman of the Board of the OceanFirst Foundation; Hackensack Meridian Ambulatory Care Board Chair; Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Board
- David Sanzari (Real Estate), CEO, Alfred Sanzari Enterprises; Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Board; Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board
- Jim Kirkos (Associations and Organizations), CEO, Meadowlands Regional Chamber & Meadowlands Live! Convention & Visitors Bureau; Hackensack Meridian Ambulatory Care Board
- John Harmon, #67 (Super 75), Founder and Chief Executive Officer, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey; Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees
- Jonathan Schultz, #12 (Super 75), Co-Founder and Managing Principal, Onyx Equities; Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Board; Riverview Medical Center Foundation Board
- Lawrence R. Inserra, Jr. (Executives: New Jersey Companies), Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Inserra Supermarkets, Inc., Hackensack Meridian Health Board of Trustees; Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board; HMH Carrier Behavioral Health Board Chair; Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation Board Chair
- Mike DuHaime (Consultants), CEO, MAD Global Strategy Group; HMH Carrier Behavioral Health Board
- Richard Henning (Energy and Environment), President and CEO, New Jersey Utilities Association; HMH Hospitals Corporation Board
- Ron Simoncini (Public Relations, Marketing and Communications), President, Axiom Communications; Hackensack Meridian Health Marketing Subcommittee
- Uli Diaz (Government and Public Affairs), Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey; Hackensack Meridian Ambulatory Care Board; Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation Board; Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Board
To view the full list, click here.