New Brunswick, NJ (January 14, 2026) – Matthew B. McDonald III, MD, president and chief executive officer of Children’s Specialized Hospital, part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, has been named chair of the board of trustees for Special Olympics New Jersey.
Dr. McDonald has long supported Special Olympics New Jersey’s (SONJ) mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Since 2021, he has served as a member of SONJ’s board of trustees, most recently as secretary of the board.
“I am deeply honored to serve as chair of the board of trustees for Special Olympics New Jersey,” said Matthew B. McDonald III, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Children’s Specialized Hospital. “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the power of inclusion, confidence, and community for children and adults living with unique health care challenges. Special Olympics embodies those values every day and I am proud to work with an organization that transforms lives through sport, health, and belonging.”
In this new role, Dr. McDonald will serve to advance the organization’s strategic initiatives to improve sports and wellness experiences to strengthen participation in communities across New Jersey in addition to fostering an environment that commits to the promotion of diverse, inclusive and equitable reach. His passion for advancing pediatric care, commitment to innovative care delivery, and his unwavering dedication to children with special healthcare needs brings a rare yet powerful combination of clinical expertise and compassionate leadership to this position.
“Dr. McDonald’s longstanding commitment to children with complex health needs aligns seamlessly with our mission to empower individuals with intellectual abilities,” said Heather Andersen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics New Jersey. “His perspective as a pediatrician and healthcare executive strengthens our ability to advocate for inclusive health, wellness, and life-changing opportunities for every athlete we serve.”
Serving over 47,000 patients with unique health challenges annually and employing over 1,700 people across 14 New Jersey locations in addition to a partnership with Rady Children’s Hospital in California, Dr. McDonald has cemented Children’s Specialized Hospital as a national leader in pediatric rehabilitative and specialty medical care. Additionally, through a joint venture with Children’s Specialized ABA, he has worked to expand access to autism care throughout the state and beyond.
As CEO, Dr. McDonald’s recent accomplishments include the implementation of a robust $90M three-year strategic plan focused on significant ambulatory expansion, improved outcomes and enhanced research, and creation of new programs and key partnerships meant to ensure all children have access to key services so they can reach their full potential.
About Children’s Specialized Hospital
Children’s Specialized Hospital, a part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges – from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to a full scope of developmental, behavioral, and mental health outcomes. At 14 different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialists partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective so each child can reach their full potential. For more information, visit rwjbh.org/childrensspecialized.
About Special Olympics New Jersey
Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) provides year-round sports training and athletic competition to thousands of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge. Athletes can participate in Olympic-type sports, receive free health screenings, and participate in leadership opportunities. Through the power of sports, athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience pure joy. Additionally, this inclusive community allows athletes to share their gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, fellow Special Olympics athletes, and the greater community.
To learn more about Special Olympics New Jersey visit www.sonj.org.
Media Contact:
Megan Granozio
732-443-7068
mgranozio@childrens-specialized.org