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Aaron Hajart Takes the Helm at Community Medical Center
On December 17, 2025, RWJBarnabas Health officially announced the appointment of Aaron F. Hajart as the new President and CEO of Community Medical Center (CMC) in Toms River, effective January 1, 2026. This leadership transition comes as Hajart steps into the role previously occupied by Patrick Ahearn, who served the organization for over 25 years.
With a background as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the 592-bed academic teaching hospital, Hajart brings a wealth of experience to his new position. His priorities will focus on enhancing operational excellence and ensuring that high-quality, patient-centered care remains at the forefront of the healthcare provided to residents of Ocean County and surrounding regions.
“Aaron is a respected leader with a deep understanding of hospital operations,” stated Bill Arnold, Executive Vice President of RWJBarnabas Health. “His ability to work collaboratively with our healthcare providers is key to transforming healthcare in Ocean County.” Under Hajart’s leadership, CMC recently received accolades from U.S. News & World Report, being named a High-Performing Hospital for maternity care alongside achieving an “A” grade in The Leapfrog Group’s Fall 2025 Hospital Safety Grades.
Transforming Healthcare for the Community
Since joining RWJBarnabas Health in 2022 as the Southern Region Senior Vice President for Service Line and Practice Integration, Hajart has been recognized for successfully leading initiatives that focus on improving hospital communications and reducing patient readmission rates. Alongside his COO responsibilities, his efforts have significantly enhanced service lines, particularly in gastroenterology, oncology, and maternal care. This critical experience positions him well to support CMC's growth and commitment to excellence in patient services.
A graduate of Amberton University with a Master of Science in Human Relations in Business, and a Bachelor of Behavioral Sciences in Athletic Training, Hajart has been a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives since 2021. Prior to his tenure at RWJBarnabas Health, he served as COO at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in Paramus.
Future Directions for Community Medical Center
Reflecting on his new role, Hajart expressed profound honor at the opportunity to lead CMC. “Together, we will strengthen access to care, enhance the patient experience, and serve our community with excellence,” he stated. The search for his successor as COO is currently underway, highlighting the ongoing strategic direction of the hospital.
The evolution of leadership at Community Medical Center is more than just a transition; it represents a commitment to the healthcare needs of the Ocean County community. The integration of advanced technologies and patient-centered practices indicates CMC's dedication to not just maintaining but enhancing healthcare standards in Northern NJ for years to come.
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