By Vanessa Orr
On June 1, 2025, Joseph “Joe” Gleason became the CEO of HCA Florida University Hospital. He is not new to the health system however; he has more than two decades of experience working for the organization that runs the state’s largest network of hospitals.
Formerly the CEO of HCA Florida Highlands Hospital, Gleason began his career as an acute care physical therapist and quickly became a supervisor. His leadership journey progressed from there.
“I enjoyed making an impact and positive change in the lives of my patients as a physical therapist, but healthcare management allows me the opportunity to make the same positive change in people’s lives but on a larger scale,” he explained. “Bringing new doctors to the community, expanding service lines, making processes more efficient—these changes impact not only patients but colleagues and the community as a whole.
“I love coming to work every day,” he added. “I love seeing the commitment of our colleagues and physicians to do the best thing for our patients, every patient, every time. I am excited to be a part of Broward County and honored to lead the team on our journey of excellence.”
Gleason credits HCA with providing him with opportunities for continuing education, development, and obtaining advanced degrees, and his move to HCA Florida University Hospital is just one more opportunity to put his skills to work.
“HCA Florida University Hospital has an amazing foundation; a beautiful facility, strong culture, focus on quality, and a growing market,” he said. “Additionally, I know I can work with the team to push us to the next level on all fronts.”
Gleason’s goals for the first year include focusing on the hospital’s quality of service and patient experience and growing its service lines, including the hospital’s cardiac care program, which just completed its first left-sided ablation.
He plans to do this by enhancing existing community partnerships that are already in place with local organizations like BRCA Strong, Town of Davie CORE Program, Davie Fire Rescue, ICU Baby, March of Dimes, and the American Heart Association. He also wants to expand the hospital’s reach by partnering with existing and new physicians to ensure that the hospital is providing the care needed to support the needs of the community.
“My long-term goals include making us the hospital of choice for colleagues, physicians and patients and growing the hospital footprint and access points throughout the community,” Gleason said, adding that the hospital will be undergoing an expansion of its emergency department in the coming years.
“I also want to expand the reach of our maternity services: We offer a full-range, high-risk maternity program here that can service not just mom, but also the baby if needed,” he continued, noting that the hospital’s Level III NICU was named the number one neonatal intensive care unit across HCA Healthcare.
As CEO of HCA Florida University Hospital, Gleason will also oversee HCA Florida City Center, the new, free-standing emergency room currently under construction in Pembroke Pines. The center is expected to open in early 2026.
