Recognized for Excellence in Pharmacy Oversight, Strategic Leadership
West Orange, NJ, July 1, 2025 – Robert Pellechio, Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer of RWJBarnabas Health, has been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of 75 Hospital and Health System Chief Pharmacy Officers to Know for 2025. The list honors Chief Pharmacy Officers who are helping to create a safer patient experience by providing exceptional systemwide oversight of medication management and drug supply. This is the second year that Mr. Pellechio has made the national list.
As Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, Mr. Pellechio provides strategic leadership for the 25 divisions within RWJBarnabas Health’s pharmacy enterprise and has oversight over the system's 340B functions as well as pharmaceutical contracting, which includes purchases of over $650 million in products and supplies. He is passionate about helping underrepresented communities gain access to affordable medications, and his contributions enable the system to maintain a high level of excellence in its pharmacy function.
The Becker’s list also recognizes excellent leadership of cost-effective pharmacy strategy, implementation of impactful pharmacy policies, support of automation and technology initiatives, and the education of the next generation of pharmacy leaders.
Mr. Pellechio ascended to his current role in 2022. Previously, he served as vice president of Barnabas Health for 20 years. He has more than 35 years of experience in healthcare, hospital administration, supply chain and pharmacy. He serves on the national committee for the Health Trust Pharmacy Advisory Board as a board member for the Dispensary of Hope, an organization aimed at improving access to affordable medications.
ABOUT RWJBARNABAS HEALTH
RWJBarnabas Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic health system, caring for more than five million people annually. Nationally renowned for quality and safety, the system includes 14 hospitals and 9,000 affiliated physicians integrated to provide care at more than 700 patient care locations.
RWJBarnabas Health partners with its diverse communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate and equitable manner and is the state’s largest safety-net provider and leader in addressing the social determinants of health. RWJBarnabas Health provides food to the hungry, housing for the homeless and economic opportunities to those most vulnerable.
RWJBarnabas Health’s commitment to enhancing access to care includes a transformative partnership with Rutgers University, including the Rutgers Cancer Institute — the state's only NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
RWJBarnabas Health is among New Jersey’s largest private employers, with more than 43,000 employees, contributing more than $5.5 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
Contact: Carrie Cristello
Carrie.Cristello@rwjbh.org