Parker Health Group announced a major executive transition. The organization officially selected Mark Lenhard, MS, LNFA, as its next President & CEO. Lenhard will officially join the nonprofit healthcare organization in December 2026. Consequently, he succeeds longtime CEO Roberto Muñiz, who retires after nearly 28 years of distinguished service.
Lenhard currently serves as President & CEO of United Methodist Communities (UMC) and the UMC Foundation. At UMC, he provides strategic direction across nine senior living communities and extensive home-based programs. Since 2022, he has spearheaded significant operational growth across regional care platforms. For instance, he launched BEAM Consulting to help senior living facilities integrate artificial intelligence solutions. Furthermore, he created Connexion Communities to expand vital senior care services beyond New Jersey.
A veteran executive, Lenhard brings over 30 years of comprehensive healthcare leadership experience to Parker Health Group. His extensive expertise spans life plan communities, post-acute care, and home-based service models. Additionally, he actively serves in governance roles across healthcare, public policy, and risk management sectors.
“Mark understands that successful leadership in aging services begins with mission, relationships, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve,” said Muñiz. “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.”
Comprehensive National Executive Search
Lenhard actively engages in national policy discussions as a board member for Caring Communities and Methodist Ministry Network. Moreover, he frequently presents at industry events for LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware.
“Selecting Parker’s next President & CEO has been the Board’s most important responsibility this year,” said Steven Landers, MD, MPH, Chair of Parker’s Board of Trustees. “We were choosing the person who will be entrusted with carrying Parker’s mission, values, and person-centered culture forward, and we attracted many extraordinary candidates. 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.”
“We are also profoundly grateful to Roberto for his visionary leadership and impressive accomplishments over nearly three decades,” Landers continued. “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.”
The Board of Trustees conducted a rigorous national search supported by community input. Care partners, residents, family members, and trustees participated to ensure alignment with corporate values. Ultimately, trustees sought a compassionate leader to safeguard organizational culture while guiding Parker Health Group forward.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as Parker Health Group’s next President & CEO,” said Lenhard. “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.”
This leadership transition represents a historic milestone for Parker Health Group. Notably, only two chief executives have led the non-profit organization over the past 50 years.
Since 1998, Muñiz has guided Parker Health Group through an unprecedented era of expansion. The entity evolved from two local nursing homes into a regional powerhouse. Parker Health Group currently serves more than 16,000 older people and their families per year through different programs. As a result of Lenhard’s direction, the organization created person-centered care models and formed academic relationships with Rutgers University. To conclude, Lenhard will be collaborating with the board and leadership throughout the process.
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Source: PRNewswire
