Marco V. Navarro

Marco Navarro joined the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation in 1995. He manages a portfolio of more than $70 million in New Jersey-based grants and program related investments. This support helps to improve the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations, by funding area universities, hospitals, and arts and cultural institutions. 

Marco led the design of the N.J. Building Healthier and more Equitable Communities Initiative to improve built environments to promote health; the N.J. Food Access Initiative to help finance healthier food retail options; and the N.J. Partnership for Healthier Kids to prevent childhood obesity. He is now designing a 3-year initiative to help increase food security and good nutrition, to advance health equity in N.J.  

Previously, Marco worked for 10 years managing community improvement projects, which included work on developing affordable homes, and the growth of a community-owned credit union in N.J. He also designed and managed a leadership training program for mid-career professionals interested in N.J. boards, commissions, and community service. 

Marco earned an MA in city and regional planning and a Graduate Certificate in public health from Rutgers University, and a BS in business administration from Seton Hall University. He is a Leadership New Jersey Fellow (1989) and was a commissioner (public representative) of the N.J. Urban Enterprise Zone Authority for 10 years. His work to develop program related investments has been chronicled in the Foundation’s Anthology.