New Jersey’s health care sector has undergone extraordinary changes over the past five years. Of course, COVID-19 drove many of the major transformations, particularly in technology.

But even as the pandemic continues to fade from our collective consciousness, change continues among the institutions that the state’s residents rely upon for help in avoiding medical problems and for care when issues do arise.

New corporate entities have emerged, spun out of iconic giants like Merck, Johnson & Johnson and BD. As the NJBIZ staff was preparing this issue, one of those spinoffs – Kenvue, late of J&J – cut the ribbon on a permanent home in Summit, exemplifying both the evolution of the industry and its continuing attachment to New Jersey.

On the other end of the spectrum, startups continue to bring disruption, innovation and new approaches to care. Some of these companies may become the iconic giants of the future. And some are well on their way. The growth of JAG Physical Therapy, for example, has been remarkable over the 20 years since its founding by CEO John Gallucci Jr. The company’s locations are liberally sprinkled throughout the region.

Many longtime executives have or are moving on – from Atlantic Health System, AtlantiCare, Healthcare Institute of New Jersey, Inspira, Valley Health, University Hospital and others. Those moves have been and will continue to be reflected in this list as new leaders take over and put their own marks on their organizations.

Finally, major development projects are either well underway or coming online. Valley Hospital moved to a brand-new campus in Paramus. Cooper University Health broke ground on a major expansion. And the HELIX complex and a free-standing cancer hospital are rising in New Brunswick. Again, all this activity shows up in these profiles.

While change can be disconcerting, New Jerseyans can take heart from two facts. First, the new industry leadership is just as talented and just as dedicated to keeping residents healthy as the previous generation. And the new facilities will undoubtedly improve research and access to care, keeping the state at the forefront of the sector.

Keep those developments in mind as you read through these profiles below. And by all means let us know what you think what’s happening around New Jersey and the choices represented in this list. All of the honorees are listed alphabetically.

– Jeffrey Kanige
Email: [email protected]

Power List Methodology

The power lists are compiled by the NJBIZ editorial staff based on our reporting throughout the past year with input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from our readers. The staff looks for people who have gained public attention – and perhaps acclaim – for their professional accomplishments and public service. Each list identifies individuals who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey a better place to live, work and do business. Honorees are not necessarily better at their jobs than others in their profession, but they have contributed meaningfully to the advancement of the public interest through their work and/or community service.