Parker Health Group Names Mark Lenhard as Next CEO

Author : John Brown | Published On : 29 Sep 2026

Parker Health Group has named Mark Lenhard as its next President and CEO, succeeding longtime leader Roberto Muñiz, who plans to retire by the end of 2026 after nearly 28 years with the organization. Lenhard is expected to join Parker in December, bringing more than 30 years of experience across senior living, long-term care, post-acute care, and aging services leadership.

The New Jersey-based nonprofit announced the appointment on September 25 following a nationwide search for Muñiz's successor. The leadership transition will mark a significant change for Parker while maintaining the organization's focus on person-centered aging services.

Mark Lenhard Brings Extensive Aging Services Experience

Lenhard currently serves as President and CEO of United Methodist Communities (UMC) and the UMC Foundation. The organization operates nine senior living communities along with home- and community-based services, consulting operations, and philanthropic activities.

He joined UMC in 2022 and has overseen initiatives focused on organizational growth, innovation, and service expansion. During his tenure, UMC launched BEAM Consulting, which helps senior living organizations modernize infrastructure and use technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and service delivery.

UMC also established Connexion Communities during Lenhard's tenure. The subsidiary expanded the organization's senior care mission beyond New Jersey.

His professional background spans senior living, life plan communities, long-term care, post-acute care, and home- and community-based services. He has also held governance and leadership positions involving healthcare, public policy, and faith-based organizations.

Leadership Transition Follows Roberto Muñiz's Retirement

Lenhard will succeed Roberto Muñiz, who plans to retire at the end of 2026 after nearly three decades at Parker.

Muñiz joined Parker in 1998 and helped guide the organization through substantial expansion. Parker currently serves more than 16,000 older adults and their families each year and has more than 1,000 employees and 300 volunteers.

During his tenure, Parker expanded its continuum of aging services and developed 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, a national association representing more than 5,400 nonprofit aging services providers.

Parker Begins First CEO Transition in Nearly Three Decades

Parker has emphasized continuity throughout the leadership change. The organization said its mission, values, strategic priorities, and commitment to the people it serves will remain central during the transition.

Parker's Board of Trustees and leadership team will work with Lenhard as he prepares to join the organization and become familiar with its residents, families, care partners, employees, and broader community.

The appointment is particularly notable because Parker has had only two CEOs during the past 50 years, according to the organization.

Lenhard's Focus on Innovation and Growth

Lenhard's leadership at UMC included efforts to modernize aging services and introduce new organizational capabilities. BEAM Consulting, for example, was created to help senior living organizations improve infrastructure and adopt technologies, including AI.

His experience with technology-enabled operational improvements comes as aging services organizations continue looking for ways to improve efficiency while maintaining person-centered care.

At Parker, Lenhard will oversee an organization that operates across residential, home-based, and community programs. The role will require coordination across a broad aging-services ecosystem and continued engagement with healthcare, academic, and community partners.

Parker's Longstanding Role in Aging Services

Founded in 1907, Parker Health Group is a nonprofit organization focused on aging services. The organization describes itself as a pioneer in inclusive aging services and long-term care residences.

Parker has expanded beyond traditional residential care to provide a broader range of services for older adults and their families. Its work includes residential programs, home-based services, community initiatives, research, and education.

The organization's growth under Muñiz included the development of partnerships designed to connect aging services with healthcare and academic institutions.

Preparing for the Next Chapter

Lenhard said he is honored to become Parker's next President and CEO and plans to work with the organization's care partners, residents, families, and Board of Trustees.

He also highlighted the opportunity to build on Parker's existing foundation while creating new opportunities for innovation and expanding the organization's impact.

Muñiz will support the transition as Lenhard prepares to assume leadership. Parker's board has described Lenhard's experience in aging services, collaborative approach, and record of innovation as factors considered during the CEO search.

Lenhard is expected to join Parker in December 2026. Muñiz will remain President and CEO until his planned retirement at the end of the year, allowing the organization to prepare for the leadership handover.

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