Barry Ostrowsky, one of the most admired and respected CEOs in the state, will announce Tuesday morning that he is retiring as the head of RWJBarnabas Health, effective at the end of the year, he told ROI-NJ.
Mark Manigan, who currently serves the system’s chief strategy and business development officer, is being elevated to the position of president, effective immediately, and will assume the role of CEO on Jan. 1 of next year. Ostrowsky currently fills both positions.
John Doll, the current chief financial officer, will become chief operating officer, effective immediately.
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Ostrowsky, who has ably guided RWJBH throughout the pandemic and served as a thought leader to the state response, had previously told RWJBH officials that he would retire at the end of this year.
“It was time,” he said.
Marc Berson, chair of the RWJBarnabas Health board of trustees, said it convened a succession planning committee, retaining an internationally known executive search firm to identify potential candidates. After several months of review of both internal and external candidates, the committee’s recommendation of Manigan was unanimously approved by the full board.
As president, Manigan will report directly to Ostrowsky, until he assumes the role of CEO on Jan. 1, 2023.
Berson said Ostrowsky’s impact on the system cannot be overstated.
“Barry will always be recognized as an inspirational leader,” he said. “He has been the key driver of many critical advancements for the system, including the formation of the RWJBarnabas Health system in 2016, the academic partnership with Rutgers University and the system’s pivotal mission shift in creating healthier communities, driving health equity and ending racism.
“We will be forever grateful to Barry for his tremendous service and leadership.”
Ostrowsky has been with the organization since 1991, when he joined Saint Barnabas Medical Center as an executive vice president and general counsel. He assumed the same role at Barnabas Health when it was created in 1996. He assumed the title of president and chief operating officer in 2010 and his present title in 2012.
Ostrowsky, who was ranked No. 4 in the most recent ROI Influencers: Power List, has been given dozens of honors over the years — including numerous selections by Modern Healthcare on its 100 most influential people in health care in the country.
Ostrowsky said he will be leaving the system in good hands.
“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.”
