A look at Mark Manigan, new president and soon-to-be CEO of RWJBarnabas Health

Mark Manigan. (RWJBarnabas Health)

When longtime leader Barry Ostrowsky told the board of RWJBarnabas Health that he intended to retire at the end of 2022, the board hired an internationally known executive search firm to identify and interview potential candidates across the country.

In the end, it determined the person it was looking for already was in the building.

Mark Manigan, 50, who joined RWJBarnabas Health in 2019 as executive vice president, business development, and was promoted to chief strategy and development officer in 2020, was the choice to replace Ostrowsky.

Manigan will assume the role of president, effective immediately, then add the title of CEO on Jan. 1, 2023, after working through the transition with Ostrowsky.

“I am humbled and honored to have been given the opportunity to lead this incredible health system,” Manigan said. “I have been proud to work with Barry Ostrowsky, a true luminary in the field, whom I consider a friend and mentor.

“I am deeply moved by the commitment my 38,000 outstanding colleagues have to our mission and the communities we serve, particularly in response to the challenges presented by the pandemic.”

The selection of Manigan was praised by Ostrowsky.

“Mark Manigan is a formidable strategist who has driven remarkable growth and expansion for the health system since joining in 2019,” he said. “In defining those attributes for success needed in our next leader, the board sought an individual with a broad portfolio of experiences, plus a bold vision for the future. I am confident that Mark brings these skills and much more to this position.”

Manigan has followed Ostrowsky before. Both are former health care lawyers at Brach Eichler.

John Fanburg, chair of health care law at the firm, said it is a proud day.

“We at Brach Eichler take great pride in today’s announcement,” he said. “Barry began his career at Brach Eichler 46 years ago and left to join RWJBarnabas. Mark also began his career with us after graduating law school and remained until joining RWJBarnabas.”

Fanburg said both are special lawyers and leaders.

“Barry and Mark are unique individuals who have accomplished so much in their careers,” he said. “The patients at RWJBarnabas Health have benefited from the leadership Barry has brought to New Jersey’s health care landscape, and we know Mark will further advance that vision into the future. We join in congratulating Barry and applauding the selection of Mark as his successor.”

Here’s a closer look at Manigan:

  • Current role: He led the system’s business development function and was responsible for the evolution of the strategic plan and oversight of RWJBarnabas Health’s Ambulatory Services Division.
  • Strategic role: He has served as a key member of the system’s strategic council.
  • Prior to RWJBH: He was a leading health care attorney in the state at Brach Eichler, where he counseled a wide array of health care clients, including publicly traded companies, health systems, insurance companies, private equity sponsors, ambulatory care facilities and physician groups on complex mergers and acquisitions, consolidation strategies and regulatory matters.
  • Expertise: He is consistently sought by public and private stakeholders for insight into industry trends and health care policy and served on both Gov. Phil Murphy’s and Gov. Chris Christie’s health care transition teams.