Recognized for Leadership and Innovation Advancing Healthcare Operations, Public Policy, and Strategic Growth Across New Jersey
West Orange, New Jersey, October 12, 2026 – Four rising executives at RWJBarnabas Health have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s Rising Stars: 188 Healthcare Leaders Under 40 list for 2026. They are: Brett Fischer, Senior Vice President of Business Development; Kelly Jones, Director of Revenue Cycle; Christopher Lee, Assistant Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs; and Maruf Rahman, Vice President of Population Health and Community Health. The annual list recognizes a new generation of forward-thinking professionals who are transforming healthcare to be more accessible, affordable, and seamless for patients across the United States.
Becker’s selection process is based on nominations and editorial research, shining a spotlight on leaders under the age of 40 who demonstrate visionary leadership, innovation, and measurable impact across the industry. The individuals named are poised to drive lasting change within their organizations by refining care delivery, improving processes and embracing change with bold, proactive leadership.
As Director of Revenue Cycle at RWJBarnabas Health, Kelly Jones leads revenue cycle performance and improvement initiatives across the health system. Jones has deep experience in revenue cycle performance, healthcare operations and process improvement, with a focus on strengthening financial performance across the health system.
As Assistant Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs, Christopher Lee, MPP, leads public policy and external affairs initiatives and works with government and community partners. Lee helped secure more than $200 million in state funding for RWJBarnabas Health’s “Our Healthy Communities” initiative, which connects patients with resources such as food, transportation and housing support through partnerships with more than 50 community organizations.
As Senior Vice President of Business Development, Brett Fischer leads strategic business development and healthcare transactions across RWJBarnabas Health. Fischer has led more than 100 strategic healthcare transactions that expanded RWJBarnabas Health’s ambulatory network and implemented a systemwide deal-flow process to streamline complex transactions across the organization.Maruf Rahman, Vice President of Population Health and Community Health, leads systemwide population health, value-based care, and community health initiatives, overseeing more than 1,200 primary care physicians serving 400,000+ patients. He also developed the systemwide community health worker program and manages 70+ professionals, a $35M+ operating budget, and a self-funded employee health plan serving 45,000+ members.
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