Baptist Health, the largest and most preferred health system in Northeast Florida, is seeking an accomplished, forward‑looking operational executive to serve as its next Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. This is a rare opportunity to help lead a respected, mission‑driven, locally governed health system during a period of significant regional growth and organizational transformation. Reporting to President & CEO Matt Zuino, the COO will join an enterprise deeply committed to providing hope, healing, and well‑being across a rapidly expanding region.
The COO will play a central role in shaping the operational sophistication of a system that includes six hospitals, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, a dedicated heart hospital, more than ten emergency centers, and over 200 outpatient sites throughout Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau counties. The scale, acuity, and momentum of this market—driven by sustained population increases and rising clinical demand—offer a compelling platform for a seasoned operator who excels in complex, multi‑hospital environments and brings both strategic vision and disciplined execution.
As the system’s catalyst for operational excellence, the COO will ensure that performance, throughput, quality, safety, patient experience, and access align with community needs and enterprise goals. This leader will collaborate closely with clinical and administrative teams to drive integration across the continuum of care and to strengthen the operational foundation that supports major community initiatives in maternal health, behavioral health, access to care, and broader social determinants. The role requires a leader able to help the system mature its service line structure, respond to market and payer pressures, and prepare for the demands of a dynamic, high‑growth region.
The ideal candidate will hold a graduate degree and bring substantial experience leading complex hospital operations, ideally across multiple sites within a large, integrated system. Experience in mission‑driven environments, matrixed structures, and competitive or rapidly growing markets is beneficial. Candidates should have served as a key member of an executive leadership team and demonstrate the judgment, collaboration, and operational rigor needed to guide a growing system toward greater sophistication and consistency.
Deep alignment with Baptist Health’s faith‑based mission and values is essential. The COO must be a visible, values‑grounded leader who embraces the organization’s longstanding commitment to community advocacy, respect, excellence, and stewardship. This is a defining moment for Baptist Health, and the COO will play a critical role in shaping the system’s next era of growth, innovation, and service to the communities that rely on it.
Expressions of interest and applications are welcome and can be made via the WittKieffer website using the buttons below or by sending resumes, nominations, and inquiries to Dan Young, Donna Padilla or Stacy Lind, preferably via email at [email protected].