Rutgers Health Administrators Are Recognized as “People to Watch” in Health Care

Business journal NJBIZ's list includes associate deans, program administrators and a marketing director

Five professionals who work in administrative roles at Rutgers Health were recognized by NJBIZ on the business journal's "2026 NJBIZ People to Watch in Healthcare" list, which identifies professionals on the front lines who, through their efforts, are helping to make New Jersey healthier.

"It is true that many of the honorees on this list do their jobs in offices and behind the scenes," journal officials said in a statement. "But their organizations rely on their efforts just as much as they do the doctors, nurses, technicians, researchers and educators who work in emergency departments, operating rooms, laboratories and classrooms."

Recognized on NJBIZ's list of 29 "People to Watch in Healthcare" are:

• Jeannette Manchester, associate dean for the Center for Educational Innovation and Quality, Rutgers School of Nursing
• Rafael Pérez-Figueroa, associate dean for community engagement, population health, global public health, Rutgers School of Public Health
• Brian Greer, director of Children's Specialized Hospital - Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education and Services (CSH-RUCARES); Interim Director, RUCARES; Core Faculty, Rutgers Brain Health Institute; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
• Abhishek Kumar, interventional radiologist and section chief of interventional radiology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
• Monifa Brooks, residency program director for the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School; and senior medical officer of Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation
• Michelle Edelstein, chief marketing officer, Rutgers School of Public Health

The Rutgers Health professionals were lauded for contributing meaningfully to the advancement of public interest through their work and community service. The final list was compiled by the editorial team based on input from experts in a variety of fields and recommendations from NJBIZ readers.

Manchester was recognized for developing and leading a forensic nurse examiner course at Rutgers School of Nursing to strengthen trauma-informed care.

"I identified gaps in clinician preparedness and implemented structured, evidence-based training," she said. "By fostering collaboration and confidence, the program improved competency and consistency in patient care, resulting in stronger clinical outcomes and a sustainable model for ongoing education."

Pérez-Figueroa was honored for his community engagement initiatives that bring together universities, communities, health care systems and governments to advance health equity in New Jersey.

"Through these partnerships, I have translated research into action, strengthened communities, informed policy and mentored future public health leaders," he said.

Greer was named for his leadership at Children's Specialized Hospital - Rutgers University Center for Autism Research, Education and Services, a center within the Rutgers Brain Health Institute, which plays a crucial role in advancing autism research while improving the lives of children and families through evidence-based care, education, and community support.

"By bringing together researchers, clinicians, educators and families, the center helps expand our understanding of autism and promotes innovative approaches that improve outcomes in this population," Greer said.

Kumar was credited for his role in building the interventional radiology program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. "I was named section chief in 2020, early in my career, and have since grown the division into a nationally visible program; growing the embolization practice, bringing NIH-funded and industry-sponsored clinical trials, mentoring trainees who now practice throughout the country," he said. "This year, my promotion to professor and induction as a Fellow of the Society of Interventional Radiology affirmed the progress we made."

Brooks was recognized for her compassion and dedication to patients with spinal cord injuries and other complex, life-altering conditions, as well as her leadership in advancing rehabilitation medicine through research, education and mentorship.

"She is sincere, thoughtful and quietly determined; leading by example," according to quotes from nominations. "Her decisions are consistently guided by what is right for patients, families and staff, even when the path is challenging."

In addition, Brooks publishes and presents extensively on spasticity management, osteoporosis and aging-related issues in people with spinal cord injuries and has participated in grand rounds at leading hospitals nationwide. As the director of the residency program in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School since 2013, Brooks has prepared residents to provide care for conditions such as stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disorders, pulmonary disease and limb loss and emphasizes research for advanced rehabilitation.

Edelstein was cited for her work in translating complex research into accessible, actionable information that people can use to improve their lives.

"Public health has little impact if it remains siloed within academic journals, and I take great pride in helping bridge the gap between science and communities," she said.