Pellechio Recognized for Strategic Leadership Across the Pharmacy Enterprise’s 25 Divisions
West Orange, New Jersey, May 26, 2026 – Robert Pellechio, Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer of RWJBarnabas Health, was honored as a recipient of the 2026 NJBIZ ICON award. This esteemed award given by a leader in statewide business news recognizes New Jersey leaders for their notable success, demonstration of strong leadership both within and outside their chosen field, and long-standing contributions to their industry and community. The honorees were celebrated at a ceremony heldin Somerset, NJ on May 19.
As Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, Mr. Pellechio provides strategic leadership for the 25 divisions within the pharmacy enterprise of New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive academic healthcare system. He has oversight over the system's seven 340B facilities and all of their functions, as well as all pharmaceutical contracting for the system, which includes purchases of over $650 million in products and supplies. He is passionate about helping underrepresented communities throughout New Jersey gain access to affordable medications, and his contributions enable the system to maintain a high level of excellence in its pharmacy function.
Under Mr. Pellechio’s leadership, education and post-graduate training remained central to the Pharmacy Enterprise’s mission. In 2024, the system completed more than 580 student rotations, while the RWJBH Residency Leadership Forum graduated its seventh class and launched its eighth. Since 2016, the program has supported more than 168 pharmacy residents, strengthening the pipeline of clinician leaders. The Pharmacy Enterprise also continued its longstanding partnership with Rutgers University to advance faculty collaboration and hands-on training opportunities.
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 Health Trust Pharmacy Advisory Board, is a board member for the Dispensary of Hope, and is actively involved with the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.
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 communities to build and sustain a healthier New Jersey. It provides patient-centered care in a compassionate 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 45,000 employees, contributing more than $7 billion to the state economy every year. For more information, visit www.RWJBH.org.
Contact: Carrie Cristello
Carrie.Cristello@rwjbh.org