Having moved from Macon, GA, Golson left his former post of seven years as CEO of Coliseum Health System and prior to that, as CEO of Palmyra Medical Center in Albany, GA, both of which are part of the HCA family.
Golson, 55, said he was excited about the opportunity to come to Ocala, which he called a "very good career move."
His new post at Ocala Health System oversees Ocala Regional Medical Center and West Marion Community Hospital, as well as the outlying outpatient facilities that include Family Care Specialists and Advanced Imaging Centers.
"I just see potential at a two-hospital system that can really experience a tremendous amount of growth" Golson said Tuesday. "Hopefully, we can achieve greater levels."
Golson's roots lie in Alabama and he has spent most of his career there, but he's no stranger to the central Florida area. In the 1980s he worked as an assistant administrator at South Seminole Community Hospital in Orlando and says of his return, "I knew coming back to that area would be something that we would want to do someday." We being he and his wife of 30 years, Carol, and their three cats and two dogs.
Golson's educational background includes a bachelor's in hospital administration from the University of Alabama and a master's degree in business administration from the Southeastern Institute of Technology in Alabama as well.
He likes what he sees at Ocala but says there is always room for growth and would like to spearhead new programs based on resident's needs. He has his eye on the hospital's cardiac program, but also would like to see other units developed during his tenure.
"We want to meet the needs of the citizens," he said.
We believe you will, Allen. Congratulations and good luck.