Parker Health Group CEO Muñiz to retire in 2026

The basics:

• Parker Health Group CEO Roberto Muñiz to retire by the end of 2026
• Board of trustees launches formal search for next CEO
• Muñiz led Parker’s growth into nationally recognized aging services nonprofit
• Will remain engaged with the organization, support continuity during transition

Parker Health Group President and CEO Roberto Muñiz has announced his retirement, effective by the end of 2026, concluding nearly three decades of transformational leadership.

The board of trustees launched a formal CEO search. Muñiz will remain fully engaged throughout the transition to ensure continuity and stability.

Founded in 1907, Parker Health Group is a Piscataway-headquartered nonprofit with more than 1,000 employees and 300 volunteers.

Muñiz joined Parker in 1998 and oversaw its evolution from a small nonprofit operating two single-site nursing homes serving about 110 residents into a nationally recognized aging services organization supporting more than 16,000 older adults and their families each year.

Under his leadership, Parker built a comprehensive continuum of care that includes:

• Long-term and post-acute care
• Assisted living
• Adult day services
• Home and community-based programs
• Rehabilitation
• Wellness initiatives
• Mental health and case management services

A hallmark of Muñiz’s tenure is his commitment to innovation and person-centered care. He championed New Jersey’s first small-home nursing model, redefining long-term care with household-style environments that promote dignity and autonomy.

Creating partnerships

He also expanded Parker’s reach through strategic partnerships, including the Parker Advanced Care Institute with VNA Health Group, which delivers in-home visiting physician services to chronically ill seniors; and the Parker Division of Geriatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, advancing education, research and interdisciplinary innovation in senior care.

Beyond Parker, Muñiz has been a national leader in aging services. Most recently he served as board chair of LeadingAge, the national association representing more than 5,400 nonprofit aging services providers. He also is a longtime educator at Rutgers University, where he will continue teaching.

“Parker has been my life’s work,” said Muñiz in a press release. “For nearly three decades, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinarily talented people who share a passion for serving older adults.

“Together, we have built an exceptional and truly special organization that is strong, stable, and positioned for an even brighter future. This is the right moment for me to begin my next chapter.”

For nearly three decades, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside extraordinarily talented people who share a passion for serving older adults.
– Roberto Muñiz, Parker Health Group, president and CEO

‘Stronger than ever’

In an email sent to friends, obtained by NJBIZ, Muñiz described the decision as one of the most difficult he has ever made.

“When I first joined Parker in 1998, we were two nursing homes caring for about 110 residents,” he wrote in the email. “Today, we serve more than 16,000 older adults and their families through a comprehensive continuum of residential, home-based, and community programs. Our care partners are the lifeblood of this organization. Because of their skill and dedication, Parker has grown into a nationally recognized leader in aging services. I am incredibly proud of how far we have come.

“Now, Parker is stronger than ever. We are guided by our mission and values, supported by a committed Board, led by a talented leadership team, and grounded in a solid operational and financial foundation.”

Muñiz reiterated that with that stability and momentum in place, he felt like it was right time to take this next step in his life.

“Please rest assured that Parker’s mission, values, and operations remain unchanged,” said Muñiz. “This is the start of a long, thoughtful process as we identify and welcome Parker’s next leader. I will remain fully engaged as President and CEO and will support Parker’s Board through the transition. My highest priority is ensuring that Parker remains strong, innovative, and true to its mission.”

Improving lives

Board Trustee Marguerite Schlag credited Muñiz with elevating Parker’s impact and reputation.

“Roberto’s leadership transformed Parker into a national leader in aging services,” she said. “His unwavering commitment to innovation, quality, and person-centered care has improved the lives of countless older adults.

“We are deeply grateful for his extraordinary service and look forward to celebrating his remarkable legacy.”

Muñiz concluded his email to friends, “Thank you for your partnership and your ongoing support of the aging services sector. I look forward to continuing our important work to ensure that those we serve continue to live their best lives, wherever they call home.”