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Deanna Kerrigan
Rutgers

Kerrigan is vice dean, Henry Rutgers Chair of Whole Person Health and a professor at Rutgers School of Public Health. A social and behavioral scientist, her research focuses on the role of social-structural and psychosocial factors shaping the health of underserved groups. She also specializes in health equity; whole person health; HIV; gender; reproductive/women’s health; community-driven, multilevel interventions; and mindfulness.

She is also founding director of the Rutgers Center for Whole Person. RWPH conducts research, training, and practice examining the interconnectedness of body, mind and spirit. The center focuses on individual and collective health. It also explores how the approach can help bring together the social fabric, serving “to challenge social and structural barriers to holistic health across settings.”

Additionally, Kerrigan currently serves as co-director of the NIMH T32 pre-doctoral training program in Approaches to Address Social-Structural Factors Related to HIV.

Colleagues note her research has led NIH-funded, community-driven, multilevel interventions. And that her work is recognized as international best practices for HIV prevention and health equity, influencing WHO, UNAIDS and other global health frameworks.

Devdatt (Dev) Kurdikar
embecta

As president and CEO of embecta, Kurdikar leads the Parsippany-based diabetes leader, which completed its spinoff from BD in 2022. Today, it boasts approximately 2,000 employees worldwide. In February Kurdikar was also elected chairman of the board. The move comes as the young company looks to set itself up for success over the long term by growing beyond its roots in diabetes. “Through the combined efforts of our employees around the world, embecta has come a long way since our launch as an independent company nearly four years ago,” Kurdikar said at the time. “I am honored that my fellow Board members have placed their faith in me to continue to drive this progress while leading our transformation into a more broad-based medical supplies company.”

Making good on that endeavor, embecta announced a month later it will acquire Owen Mumford in a $20 million deal. Based in the U.K., the privately held company and innovator manufactures medical devices and drug-delivery technologies.

Kurdikar currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc., AdvaMed (Advanced Medical Technology Association) and LMG Holdings (a portfolio company of The Riverside Co).

Emer Leahy
PsycoGenics Inc.

Leahy leads Paramus-based PsycoGenics Inc. Specializing in CNS, the company says it is the only contract research organization of scale for central nervous system depression.

It works to help companies discover next-gen treatments for disabling CNS and orphan disorders as well as reduce the attrition rate in clinical development.

Leahy is also an adjunct associate professor of neuroscience at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. She has over 30 years of experience in drug discovery and clinical and business development for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Leahy also boasts extensive knowledge of technology assessment, licensing, M&A and strategic planning. She received her Ph.D. in neuropharmacology from University College Dublin and her MBA from Columbia University.

Leahy currently serves on the boards of PsychoGenics; Intensity Therapeutics, a clinical-stage oncology company; and Pasithea Therapeutics. Earlier in 2026, she wrapped a two-year term as chair of BioNJ. “During her chairpersonship, she strengthened our voice, expanded our reach and championed innovation and Patient needs that drove tangible policy and legislative progress across New Jersey,” said BioNJ President and CEO [and fellow Power player] Debbie Hart.

William Lewis
Insmed

At Insmed, Lewis leads the people-first biopharmaceutical company as CEO and chair. Having joined the company in 2012, he added the latter role in 2018. Bridgewater-based Insmed focuses on serious and rare diseases. The company has nine corporate offices worldwide, four global research sites and a team of more than 1,500 employees.

In results released in February, Insmed reported total revenues of $606.4 million for FY2025. The company said it ended 2025 with approximately $1.4 billion in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities.

Looking ahead, Lewis said he was “energized by the significant opportunities ahead to serve patients.” Buoying that outlook is the success of BRINSUPRI, the first and only FDA-approved oral tablet designed to treat non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Lewis said the U.S. commercial launch continues to exceed expectations. The company projects revenues of at least $1 billion for the drug this year.

In 2025, the innovative leader was a finalist for the 2025 NJ Entrepreneur of the Year award. He’s also a recent recipient of BioNJ’s Dr. Sol J. Barer Award for Vision, Innovation, and Leadership.

Dr. Steven Libutti
RWJBarnabas Health

Last year, Libutti added another title to his distinguished list of duties with the official opening of the Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in New Brunswick. The director of the new $750 million facility – the state’s first freestanding cancer hospital and one of just 13 nationwide – also serves as director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and senior vice president of oncology services for RWJBarnabas Health, among other roles.

The new 12-story, 520,000-square-foot New Brunswick facility offers a state-of-the-art environment for patients as well as practitioners. In addition to in- and outpatient services, the hub includes research labs and more.

Libutti is an expert in the management of neuroendocrine tumors, a past president of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons and a member of American Surgical Association and Association of American Physicians. In his clinical practice, he focuses on gastrointestinal malignancies including liver and pancreatic cancers.

The holder of 11 patents, Libutti’s work focuses on developing novel cancer therapies via understanding of the tumor microenvironment and a better understanding of the tumor suppressor genes MEN1 and FILIP1L.

Jose Lozano
Hackensack Meridian Health

After leaving the leadership post at Choose New Jersey to re-join Hackensack Meridian Health, Lozano now serves as executive vice president and chief growth officer. At the state’s largest and most-comprehensive health system, Lozano heads the charge to continue HMH’s growth.

His work includes identifying and pursuing regional, national and international business opportunities; along with the development of physical facilities. With experience in both the public and private sectors, Lozano is well-versed in building bridges. Take HMH’s transformative $200 million Metropark project, for example. Expected to debut this spring, the project will establish a health care hub, along with HMH’s headquarters amid a new mixed-used environment at the rail station in Woodbridge.

“It was not an easy task and an easy project. You had three developers coming together for joint venture on state property and then working with a large tenant who was a not-for-profit … but it’s all sort of doable and at the end of the day, we’re going to benefit from it.”  The Stockton University alumnus currently serves as chair of the school’s board of trustees.

Mark Manigan
RWJBarnabas Health

RWJBarnabas Health serves more than 5 million patients and contributes over $7 billion to the state economy each year. Manigan leads the state’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system and its team of more than 45,000 employees. RWJBH delivers services across 14 hospitals and more than 700 patient care locations with a roster of 9,000 affiliated physicians.

In February, RWJBarnabas announced it was getting into the game with Red Bull New York. The wide-ranging partnership includes naming rights for the MLS club’s new practice center in Morris Township. It also becomes Official Hometown Healthcare System and EMS Provider of Sports Illustrated Stadium, Red Bull New York, Red Bull New York II, Red Bulls Youth Programs and Academy, and the Official Health and Wellness Provider of Red Bulls Youth Programs.

The high-profile move continues trajectory from last year for Manigan and RWJBH. After a hard-fought approval, the system got the OK to relocate Monmouth Medical Center from Long Branch to Fort Monmouth in Tinton Falls. And in New Brunswick, it started serving patients from the state’s first free-standing cancer hospital in the state, The Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center.

Amy Mansue
Inspira Health

Mansue took the No. 6 spot on this year’s NJBIZ Power 100, released in February. The Inspira Health CEO is also a well-known and respected perennial power player. Since joining Inspira from RWJBarnabas Health, Mansue has led a transformation at the South Jersey health care system.

Under her guidance, Inspira has increased operating revenue 52% while also dramatically expanding its services. The system reaches 330,000 patients each year. Meanwhile, Inspira Medical Group providers increased 39%, and total appointments grew 73%. At the helm, Mansue has also prioritized behavioral health. According to the system, the discipline has achieved a 56% increase in patients served since 2020.

In January, Warren Moore assumed the title of president, which Mansue previously held along with her role as CEO. For Mansue, the transition will allow her to expand focus on external priorities and community engagement.

Mansue was elected to the New Jersey Resources board last fall. She is also a director at Middlesex Water and serves as its compensation committee chair, as well as a member of the board of directors for the New Brunswick Development Corp.

Michael Maron
Holy Name

Maron leads Holy Name, one of the few independent health systems remaining in the state, as president and CEO. Holy Name comprises a 361-bed acute care medical center in Teaneck; Holy Name Physicians, with nearly 400 primary and specialty care providers; Villa Marie Clair, a residential hospice center in Saddle River; medically based fitness community HNH Fitness in Oradell; Sister Clair Tynan School of Nursing in Englewoood Cliffs; Hôpital Sacré Coeur, a 200-bed Hospital in Milot, Haiti; and outpatient and at-home services across North Jersey. In March, the health system and Rowan launched a dual-enrollment program with the Claire Tynan School of Nursing that is designed to strengthen academic preparation for Holy Name nursing students.

Across the system, Maron oversees overall clinical, academic and operations functions. He joined Holy Name in 1987 and was appointed to his current roles in 1991. In 2025, Holy Name received a historic $75 million philanthropic gift. The largest donation given to a Catholic health system nationwide, the giving affirms Holy Name’s future and Maron’s vision. Maron also launched a Graduate Medical Education program. Supported by a $3.3 million federal grant, it will train more than 90 resident physicians each year.

Dr. Anthony Mazzarelli and Kevin O’Dowd
Cooper University Health Care

Mazzarelli and O’Dowd lead Cooper University Health Care as co-CEOs, overseeing more than 13,000 team members, three hospitals and more than 135 offices spanning the Delaware River to the Atlantic Ocean.

The leading South Jersey academic health system, Cooper University Health in Camden also serves as the only Level I trauma center in the region. In 2025, Cooper earned an A+ credit rating from S&P Global with revenues expected to exceed $3 billion. According to facts and figures referencing 2025 data, the system fulfilled that prediction with $3.09 billion operating revenue. In service to more than 2.54 million patients each year, the Camden anchor institution’s profile continues to rise with its hometown. In 2025, Cooper embarked on a massive $3 billion transformation of its Camden campus. Cooper and MD Anderson Cancer Center also expanded care at Cooper University Hospital Cape Regional.

The duo has established a good track record too. Cooper University Hospital in Camden is considered one of New Jersey’s top 10 hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and among the top 12% of hospitals in the nation by Newsweek. Cooper’s Children’s Regional Hospital is a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center.

Michael McCauley
Hackensack Meridian Health

McCauley is senior vice president and chief of staff at Hackensack Meridian Health. Having joined HMH in 2010, he boasts more than 25 years of marketing, brand, strategic communications, public relations, social media and executive administration experience.

At HMH, McCauley is responsible for coordinating all activities of the Office of the CEO, working closely with the executive team to lead and execute network-wide initiatives, projects and partnerships. He also serves as a liaison to the system’s board of trustees and provides oversight of strategic communications and network events.

In his prior role, McCauley led marketing and communications for HMH, including developing key strategies to drive brand awareness and preference. His tenure in that position included leading the system through the COVID-19 pandemic and response communications. According to Hackensack Meridian, his team increased media coverage by more than 600% over two years and helped to position HMH thought leaders in arenas including the World Economic Forum and national media.

McCauley was also recognized as an inaugural NJBIZ Executive Excellence Award honoree in 2025.

Dr. Nicole McGrath-Barnes
KinderSmile Foundation

As founder and CEO of KinderSmile Foundation, McGrath-Barnes is a trailblazer in oral health and an advocate for children and families in need. She launched KinderSmile in 2007, inspired by a tragic story that guides the organization’s work to ensure no child suffers or dies because they lack access to dental care. Since then, the organization says it has provided more than $21 million of in-kind dental services.

In its work to promote public health dentistry, KinderSmile says it served more than 8,800 patients in 2025. The group provides care from three Dental Homes (Bloomfield, Newark, Trenton), regardless of insurance status.

McGrath-Barnes also champions systemic change by meeting with lawmakers and through policy advocacy. For FY 2026, KinderSmile secured state funding – for the second time.  And she supports dental workforce development through the KinderSmile Community Service Learning Program, which aims to help nurture and train future dental professionals. Turning to storytelling to deliver on the broader mission, McGrath is an award-winning producer of the documentary, “Toothache: The Painful Truth About Oral Health Care Inequity.”

Jamey Millar
Novo Nordisk

Millar took over as executive vice president of U.S. operations for Novo Nordisk in early February. At the helm of the company’s largest sales region from its Plainsboro base, Millar brings more than 30 years’ experience across the pharmaceutical, payer and distribution sectors. Most recently, he worked with UnitedHealth Group’s OptumRx and Optum Specialty Holdings since 2021.

Millar stepped into the role amid a flurry of activity for the drugmaker driven by its blockbuster weight-loss drug Wegovy. Novo Nordisk’s own Wegovy weight-loss pill became the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 for weight loss at the beginning of this year. In its 2025 Q4 update, the company highlighted a “rapid early uptake” for the therapy. Then in April, the drugmaker launched a new subscription plan for the therapy offering savings for eligible self-pay patients. Last year, Novo Nordisk cut a deal with the Trump administration to lower prescription drug costs for patients on GLP-1 medications enrolled in Medicaid and Medicare.

According to Novo Nordisk’s Q4 report, GLP-1 products drove 10% sales growth for Novo Nordisk worldwide last year.

Anthony Minniti
Bell Pharmacy

As owner of the historic Bell Pharmacy in Camden, Minniti runs the oldest continuously operating independent pharmacy in New Jersey. Despite numerous waves of closures by both large retail pharmacies and smaller independently run concerns, the 95-year-old Bell Pharmacy has survived thanks to Minniti’s background in business, politics and advocacy.

A third-generation pharmacist whose family took over the business in 1997, Minniti has earned several prestigious industry honors, and his innovations in pharmacy practice have served as templates for programs throughout the country.

In 2023, he expanded his footprint with the launch of Camden Apothecary, a cannabis dispensary serving both recreational and medical patients. The venture reflects a full-circle moment: Bell Pharmacy originally dispensed cannabis for medical use before federal prohibition halted the practice in 1937.

Now, with cannabis once again legal to buy in New Jersey, Minniti is working to integrate the plant into mainstream health care. His efforts have included partnerships, lifestyle-focused initiatives and innovative medical cannabis programs designed to replace addictive, dangerous prescription medications.

Dr. Amy Murtha
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Currently dean of the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Murtha will serve as founding dean for the future Rutgers School of Medicine. The maternal-fetal medicine specialist is nationally recognized for her work. Throughout her career, Murtha has upheld a commitment to advancing health equity through her research, inclusive clinical care and leadership.

The new RSM comes from the merger of Rutgers’ New Jersey Medical School and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. At its launch, Murtha will lead one of the largest public medical schools in the country. Leading up to the combination, Murtha has embarked on a listening tour over the past two years to inform the institution, engaging faculty, staff, students and constituents.

“In the past, the two medical schools have been competitors for talent and resources. Now, we can be allies in attracting students, grants, and faculty who are pioneers in their fields,” Rutgers new Jersey Medical School Dean Robert Johnson and Murtha co-wrote in a message to the commmunity.

Trish O’Keefe
Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center

As president at Atlantic Health Morristown Medical Center, and senior vice president and chief nurse executive for Atlantic Health, O’Keefe has led the institution to several marquee achievements.

MMC ranked as the No. 1 hospital in New Jersey for five-straight years with O’Keefe at the helm. Additionally, it is the only hospital in the state named one of Healthgrades’ America’s 50 Best Hospitals for a decade. In 2025, Newsweek ranked Morristown No. 1 in New Jersey and No. 51 nationwide on its World’s Best Hospitals feature.

O’Keefe has led expansions of clinical service and physical transformations on campus. Morristown Medical Center is seeking to increase capacity to keep up with growing demand in the community it has served for more than 130 years.

Last June, MMC completed the final phase of its $27 million Sameth Emergency Department expansion and modernization. Meanwhile, the provider has also revealed modified plans for a $1 billion project to bring its flagship facility “further into the 21st century” following public meetings and community feedback. O’Keefe also serves as treasurer for the New Jersey Hospital Association Board of Trustees.

Dr. George Pavlou
Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey

A founding physician of Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey, Pavlou is president and CEO of the group and dual certified in internal medicine and GI. The Woodland Park-based practice serves patients in six counties (Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, Morris, Ocean) from 28 locations. Each features state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, personalized care and ongoing support.

The practice attributes its growth to new grads seeking to join its ranks and acquisitions of other practices. GANJ leads with a patient-first approach that extends from initial consultation through screenings to ongoing care and follow-ups, highlighting a continued focus on colon cancer prevention and GI health management.

By the numbers, GANJ’s 46 gastroenterologists, four physician assistants and nine nurse practitioners served more than 76,000 patients last year across 219,840 in-person, or telehealth, visits with over 38,500 procedures performed. In 2025, USA Top Docs highlighted Pavlou and the team at GANJ, with 46 reviewed and approved providers.

Pavlou’s experience includes serving as a clinical instructor at St. George’s University in Grenada, a teaching attending at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center on the medical board of St. Joseph.

Kristin Peck
Zoetis

Peck, also a member of the Zoetis board, took on the role of CEO in 2020. Since, she has guided the leading animal health and Fortune 500 company to deliver financial growth, despite an evolving and often erratic macroeconomic environment. With a legacy stretching nearly 75 years, Zoetis supports veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners in more than 100 counties.

Under Peck’s leadership, Parsippany-based Zoetis has grown to 18 blockbuster products, with a pipeline of 12 potential more. The company values the potential annual sales value of these pipeline products at more than $100 million each.

Zoetis promotes science and data-driven research & development to discover, develop, manufacture, and commercialize vaccines, medicines, diagnostics, biopharmaceuticals, and digital solutions for companion animals and livestock. In 2025, the company noted several key achievements: the acquisition of the U.K.-based Veterinary Pathology Group; and the launch of AI Masses for Vetscan Imagyst, an AI-powered cytology tool.

Peck’s transformative leadership has earned significant distinctions, including the TIME100 Health (2025), CNBC Changemakers (2024) and Barron’s Top CEOs (2022).

Dr. Andrew Pecora
Outcomes Matter Innovations Management

Pecora is recognized not just for his medical research, but also for health care and business delivery. As chairman and CEO of Jersey City-based Outcomes Matter Innovations Management, Pecora advocates on a national scale to help make medical practices more efficient and profitable while also improving patient care.

Founded in 2018, the business provides specialty physicians with decision support technology at the point of care, along with a novel reimbursement model, to enable value-based care programs that maintain or improve clinical outcomes and significantly reduce the cost of care.

Last fall, OMI announced a partnership with Regional Cancer Care Associates to implement an Oncology Value-Based Care Program at RCCA. This January, it brought on a new COO to continue OMI’s growth.

Pecora has also led award-winning research funded by the National Cancer Institute and the AHEPA Research Foundation. The certified hematologist and oncologist is a leading global expert in blood and marrow stem-cell transplantation, cellular medicine and immunology research.

Having spent three decades at Hackensack Meridian Health, Pecora founded and expanded the John Theurer Cancer Center during his time with the system, among other achievements. He holds 70 patents, meanwhile, spanning the life science and information technology domains.

Peter Ponzini
SportsMed Physical Therapy

As CEO of SportsMed Physical Therapy, Ponzini runs one of the leading physical therapy and chiropractic treatment providers in New Jersey and Connecticut. Launched in 2004, the Glen Rock-based business offers a range of rehabilitative therapies – all with a focus on patient-centered outcomes and long-term results. The practice includes a HomeCare division, and over time, has expanded to offer occupational/hand therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture.

Since partnering with private equity firm Hildred Capital Management in 2018, SportsMed has increased its footprint from seven clinics to 50-plus locations. This quick expansion landed Ponzini and SportsMed co-founder and President of New Site & Project Development Albert Khalaf on the 2025 NJBIZ People to Watch in Health Care list.

The practice has also earned significant recognition for both workplace culture and clinical leadership. Accolades include multiple certifications as a Great Place to Work and honors as a Top Workplace for Professional Development. In 2026, SportsMed was named Physical Therapy Company of the Year by American Business Review for excellence in patient care, clinical leadership and innovation.

Dennis Pullin
Virtua Health

Since becoming president and CEO of Virtua Health in 2017, Pullin had led strategic growth initiatives focused on expanding access, strengthening clinical services and deepening community health investments across one of South Jersey’s largest health care systems.

Based in Marlton, its network spans five hospitals (Virtua Marlton, Mount Holly, Our Lady of Lourdes, Voorhees and Willingboro), two satellite emergency departments, more than 40 ambulatory surgery centers and approximately 400 additional care locations. For Virtua’s roughly 3,000 staffers and affiliated physicians and clinicians, they have the privilege of being employed at an organization that’s been ranked by Newsweek, Modern Healthcare and Forbes as one of the best places to work.

Over the past year, Pullin has led several key initiatives, including the introduction of a $5 million, four-year partnership to address poverty in Camden and kicking off a $500 million renovation and expansion of Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. He also grew Virtua’s Eat Well program with a mobile grocery store and food pharmacy to improve access to healthy food; and helped open Oliver Station, an affordable senior housing community with an on-site medical practice.

2026 NJBIZ Health Care Power List Index:

Intro  |  A – E  |  F – J  |  K – P  |  Q – Z