Hackensack Meridian Health Leaders Recognized by Beckers Hospital Review

What You Need To Know

Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive health network, is proud to announce that Hackensack Meridian Health leaders as well as the overall health system were recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review. Chief strategy officer and executive vice president Jim Blazar was recognized by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 65 Health System Chief Strategy Officers to Know.

“Throughout his career, Jim Blazar has been an innovator, developing cutting-edge strategies, data-driven campaigns and breakthrough advertising to launch successful brands,” said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, chief executive officer of Hackensack Meridian Health. “We are so proud of all the work he has supported across our organization throughout his tenure, never losing sight of our core mission – delivering high-quality, compassionate care to the patients and communities we serve.”

Becker’s Hospital Review highlighted Mr. Blazar’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he led Hackensack Meridian Health’s communications, along with his work to expand telehealth and hospital-at-home services as part of the network’s ongoing focus on social determinants of health and behavioral health services. He helped the network open New Jersey’s first behavioral health urgent care and expand its ambulatory health and wellness centers. He has been essential in leading impactful mergers, acquisitions and affiliations for the organization, including Memorial Sloan Kettering, St. Joseph’s Health, Summit Health, JFK University Medical Center and Carrier Clinic.

In addition to Mr. Blazar, Becker’s Hospital Review also recognized Hackensack Meridian Health leadership, as well as the health network:

• 56 hospital and health system CMIOs and CNIOs to know

  • Lauren Koniaris, M.D., vice president and chief medical information officer

• 34 hospital and health system innovation programs to know 

  • Hackensack Meridian Health

• 70 hospitals and health systems with spine and neuroscience programs to know 

  • Hackensack Meridian Health