Somerville, NJ, October 27, 2026 – CJ Cruz, Vice President of Operations at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, a member of RWJBarnabas Health, has been named a Forty Under 40 honoree by NJBIZ. This award recognizes professionals under the age of 40 who are not only building strong communities but also setting the pace for New Jersey’s economic future.
Since joining Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in 2017, Mr. Cruz has advanced through increasingly significant leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as Vice President of Operations in 2025. Today, he oversees critical hospital operations across a 343-bed medical center, including Laboratory Services, Pharmacy, Diagnostic Imaging, Rehabilitation Services, Environmental Services, Supply Chain, Emergency Management, and ambulatory services.
From improved cleanliness scores to privatizing patient rooms, Mr. Cruz has dedicated his leadership tenure to making patients feel safe and supported. As part of this initiative, Mr. Cruz oversaw the opening of a new Rapid Decision Unit that serves as an extension of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Emergency Department to decompress patient traffic and improve wait times overall. Mr. Cruz also oversaw the launch of a focused ultrasound treatment program to help patients living with medication-refractory essential tremor and Parkinson’s Disease. This new technology represents a significant advancement in how the hospital approaches treatment of movement disorders, while improving symptom management and enhancing the overall quality of life of its patients.
Beyond his operational achievements, Mr. Cruz is a dedicated community and organizational leader, serving as Executive Sponsor of the hospital's ASIAN Business Resource Group and as a board member of RideWise, Inc. Additionally, Mr. Cruz supports Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset’s Community Health program that presents close to 400 health education events and program each year.
This year, Mr. Cruz was also recognized by NJBIZ as one of its People to Watch in Healthcare. The NJBIZ 2026 Forty Under 40 Honorees were celebrated at a breakfast event at The Marigold in Somerset.
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.