Edison, N.J.-based Hackensack Meridian Health plans to restructure leadership ahead of the system’s COO Mark Stauder’s retirement, according to a May 13 news release shared with Becker’s. Mark Sparta will succeed Mr. Stauder as COO, effective July 2.
Prior to his new role, Mr. Sparta, a 30-year Hackensack Meridian veteran, served as president of the Northern Market and president and chief hospital executive of Hackensack University Medical Center.
In his new role, Mr. Sparta will lead management and operational functions for Hackensack’s children’s and specialty hospitals, acute care hospitals, patient care services, ambulatory services, clinical joint ventures, real estate, facilities and construction, and networkwide clinical services and service lines. Mr. Sparta will also serve as president of the Hackensack Meridian Health hospitals corporation and Hackensack Meridian ambulatory care boards.
HMH has eliminated its regional president role to create two new positions: president of the acute care hospital division and president of specialty hospitals and clinical services.
Kenneth Sable, MD, will serve as president of the acute care hospital division and Regina Foley, PhD, has been named president of specialty hospitals and clinical services. Dr. Sable currently serves as president of Hackensack’s southern market and Dr. Foley serves as chief nurse executive and chief transformation and integration officer.
In their new roles, Dr. Sable will direct the network’s acute care hospitals, while Dr. Foley will lead strategy and operations for HMH’s specialty facilities and services, including behavioral health, rehabilitation and clinical support areas.
Jose Azar, MD, has also been named executive vice president, chief quality officer and clinical service line officer. Dr. Azar has served as HMH’s chief quality officer since 2022, the release said.
