RWJBarnabas Health appointed Lynda Markoe as its new chief people officer, effective immediately, the West Orange-based network announced recently. 

In her new role, Markoe is responsible for leading human resources operations and implementing the department’s “One HR” initiative, according to RWJBarnabas, the Garden State’s largest academic health care system. 

Markoe, who will report to RWJBarnabas President and CEO Mark Manigan, will also be responsible for refining the system’s “people processes in line with the new organizational model and growing enterprise,” according to her Feb. 21 hiring announcement. 

Markoe most recently served as chief people and culture officer for Bed, Bath & Beyond, the former Union-based home goods retailer that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2023 and eventually closed its doors. 

Before joining Bed Bath & Beyond in 2020, Markoe held various human resources positions with J. Crew for 17 years. She also served as an HR leader at Gap Inc. from 1988 until 2003. 

“Lynda is a highly regarded human resources professional with more than 30 years of experience in the retail and consumer goods sectors,” Manigan said in a statement. “She has a proven track record of success, most recently as the Chief People and Culture Officer of Bed, Bath & Beyond, where she led the human resources during a time of rapid change and transformation. I am confident Lynda’s deep experience in retail and customer experience will serve us well.” 

Markoe earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a concentration in international relations from Binghamton University. 

A representative did not immediately respond to a question about Markoe’s predecessor or whether this is a new position for the network.