Parker Health Group, Inc. has announced that Roberto Muñiz, President and CEO as well as Senior Health Fellow and Instructor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, will retire by the end of 2026. Muñiz has served in his role for nearly 28 years.
Muñiz began his tenure with Parker in 1998 when the organization was a small nonprofit with two nursing homes serving about 110 residents. During his leadership, Parker expanded to serve over 16,000 older adults and their families each year. The organization now offers a range of services including residential care, home and community-based programs, mental health support, case management, and other resources for older adults.
He played a key role in developing New Jersey’s first small-home model of nursing home care, which emphasizes household-style living to promote autonomy and dignity among residents. Muñiz also led Parker into strategic partnerships with senior housing organizations to broaden its reach within affordable housing communities.
In collaboration with VNA Health Group, he helped establish the Parker Advanced Care Institute to provide primary medical care directly in seniors’ homes through visiting physician services. In 2023, he contributed to launching the Parker Division of Geriatrics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School to support research and innovation in senior care.
Beyond his work at Parker, Muñiz completed a two-year term as Board Chair of LeadingAge, an association representing over 5,400 nonprofit aging service providers across the United States. He also serves on the Advisory Council for Vision Centre to help develop leadership in senior living.
Muñiz has been an educator at Rutgers University for many years. At the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy—a part of Rutgers University—the school is known for its nationally ranked programs such as urban planning and public health and operates research centers focusing on issues like community development and health policy (https://bloustein.rutgers.edu/). According to its official website, Stuart Shapiro became dean in 2023 (https://bloustein.rutgers.edu/).
Muñiz commented on his retirement: “Parker has been my life’s work. 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.”
Marguerite Schlag, Ed.D., RN, Trustee at Parker Health Group said: “Roberto’s leadership transformed Parker into a national leader in aging services. 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.”
Parker stated that its transition process will be careful and deliberate while keeping its mission intact. Muñiz will remain active as President and CEO throughout this period.