The basics:
- Mark Lenhard will succeed Roberto Muñiz as Parker Health Group CEO
- Lenhard has led United Methodist Communities since 2022
- Muñiz retiring after nearly three decades with Parker
- Parker serves more than 16,000 older adults and families annually
Ahead of the retirement of longtime leader Roberto Muñiz, Parker Health Group has named his replacement.
Following a nationwide search, the Piscataway-based nonprofit announced Mark Lenhard as its next president and CEO Sept. 25.
The move comes nine months after Muñiz revealed plans to step down at the end of 2026.
Since joining Parker in 1998, Muñiz is credited with overseeing its evolution into a nationally recognized aging services organization. The provider currently supports more than 16,000 older adults and their families each year. The 119-year-old nonprofit also has more than 1,000 employees and 300 volunteers.
Lenhard brings more than 30 years of experience across senior living, life plan communities, long-term care and post-acute care, as well as home- and community-based services. His background includes governance and leadership roles across healthcare, public policy and faith-based organizations.
Currently, Lenhard serves as president and CEO of Neptune-headquartered faith-based nonprofit aging services organization United Methodist Communities and the UMC Foundation. The group’s footprint includes nine senior living communities, a home- and community-based services platform, consulting and philanthropic work.
Since arriving at UMC in 2022, Lenhard spearheaded numerous initiatives, such as:
- Launching Beam Consulting to help senior living organizations modernize their infrastructure and leverage technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve efficiency and service delivery
- Creating Connexion Communities, a new subsidiary expanding its senior care mission beyond New Jersey
Lenhard serves on the boards of the Methodist Ministry Network and Caring Communities. He also is a featured speaker for groups such as LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware.
Commenting on his new position, Lenhard said, “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Parker Health Group’s next president & CEO. The organization’s values resonate deeply with me, and I am excited to partner with Parker’s care partners, residents, families, and Board of Trustees to build on its remarkable legacy. Together, we can create new opportunities for innovation, strengthen our impact, and continue enhancing the lives of those we serve.”
Mark understands that successful leadership in aging services begins with mission, relationships, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve.
– Roberto Muñiz, president and CEO, Parker Health Group
Muñiz shared, “Mark understands that successful leadership in aging services begins with mission, relationships, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve.”
“Throughout this transition, I have emphasized that Parker’s next CEO must be the right fit for our person-centered culture. After spending time with Mark, I am confident that he shares our values and respects the strong foundation we have built together. I look forward to supporting him as he prepares to lead Parker into its next chapter,” he said.
‘This important new chapter’
Parker notes the organization has only had two individuals serve as CEO over the past 50 years.
Parker Board of Trustees Chair Steven Landers described the search for a new leader as “the board’s most important responsibility this year.”
“Mark’s extensive aging services experience, collaborative leadership style, and track record of innovation distinguished him throughout the search. On behalf of the Board, I am pleased to welcome Mark to Parker as he begins this important new chapter,” Landers said.
He went on to thank Muñiz “for his visionary leadership and impressive accomplishments over nearly three decades.”
“He transformed Parker into a nationally respected leader in aging services while preserving the compassion, relationships, and human connection that define our culture. Roberto has built an exceptionally strong foundation for the future, and his active support throughout the transition will help ensure Mark begins his tenure with the knowledge, relationships, and confidence needed to succeed,” Landers said.
Under Muñiz’s leadership, Parker pioneered person-centered models of care, expanded its continuum of services, and developed major healthcare and academic partnerships. These include the Parker Advanced Care Institute with VNA Health Group and the Parker Health Group Division of Geriatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Muñiz also recently completed a two-year term as board chair of LeadingAge, the national association representing more than 5,400 nonprofit aging services providers.
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