Mitch is replacing current CEO, John Deardoff, FACHE, who was recently named president and CEO of Reston Hospital Center in Virginia. Mitch makes the transition on January 1, 2013.
Prior to serving at Colleton Medical Center, Mitch served in administrative roles in several Florida-based hospitals, including COO at Atlantic Medical Center in Ormond Beach, Florida, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center in Fort Pierce, Memorial Hospital Jacksonville and as CEO at Specialty Hospital in Jacksonville, making him no stranger to the Florida area.
“Mitch is a veteran hospital administrator with much of his experience based in Florida,” said Michael P. Joyce, FACHE and HCA North Florida Division president. “He has a proven track record and will do an outstanding job of leading Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. We are pleased to welcome him back to Florida.”
The new CEO brings a list of accomplishments with him to the Fort Walton Beach facility. While at Colleton, he saw the hospital make the Joint Commission's "Top Performer" list for two consecutive years. He was also named the South Carolina Ambassador for Economic Development in 2012 by the South Carolina Governor.
“I look forward to joining the Fort Walton Medical Center family and becoming a part of the community,” Mitch said. “There is a great deal of momentum building for the organization to play an important role in enhancing the range of healthcare services available in Northwest Florida, and I am confident we will build upon past successes well into the future.”
Mitch received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Business Administration from Florida Atlantic University. He has served on many organizations as a board member and chairperson, including the South Carolina Hospital Association and the March of Dimes. Currently, he is a member of American College of Healthcare Executives.
Congratulations, Mitch.