The executives below harness cutting-edge digital technology, pioneer new care delivery models, and implement innovative solutions that enhance experiences for patients and providers alike.

Note: Becker’s Healthcare developed this list based on nominations and editorial research. Leaders do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion on this list. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it an endorsement of the leaders or organizations mentioned. See complete list : CLICK HERE

SOUTH FLORIDA: 

Hospital and Health System Presidents and CEOs

Bo Boulenger. President and CEO of Baptist Health South Florida (Coral Gables, Fla.). Mr. Boulenger, president and CEO of Baptist Health, leads South Florida’s largest healthcare system with emphasis on innovation, research and a patient-first culture. With 38 years in healthcare administration, he has driven major expansions throughout the state, including hospital mergers in Palm Beach and the Keys, and the growth of Baptist Health’s nationally recognized institutes specializing in cancer, heart and vascular, brain and spine, and orthopedic care. Under his leadership, Baptist Health has strengthened academic partnerships, notably with Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, to advance clinical excellence and medical education in the region. Committed to employee and patient experience, he has helped Baptist Health earn a spot on Fortune‘s list of 100 best companies to work for across 23 consecutive years. As incident commander during hurricanes and the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Boulenger prioritized safety and quality, ensuring resilience in times of crisis. A respected healthcare leader, he has served as chair of the Florida Hospital Association’s board of trustees and is a founding member of the Miami Partnership, which is dedicated to shaping Miami’s future as a global city.

John Couris. President and CEO of Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital. Mr. Couris aims to enhance Tampa General Hospital via innovation, strategic expansion and a strong commitment to workplace culture. Since 2017, he has overseen the system’s growth from just 17 total facilities to seven hospitals and more than 150 care locations, employing 15,000 team members and providers statewide. His forward-thinking initiatives include the creation of an AI-driven care coordination center, the launch of TGH Ventures to support healthcare startups, and the execution of a $550 million master facility plan to develop the Tampa Medical and Research District. Modeled after the nation’s top medical hubs, the district is projected to generate $8.3 billion in annual economic impact and nearly 58,000 jobs. Mr. Couris’ focus on innovation, partnerships and professional development has elevated patient outcomes and engagement, earning Tampa General recognition from NewsweekForbes and Fortune/Merative. A trusted voice in healthcare policy, he has been named to the Tampa Bay Business Journal “Power 100” list for four consecutive years.

Tomislav Mihaljevic, MD. President and CEO of Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Mihaljevic has served as CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic since 2018, overseeing transformative growth and guiding the organization to serve 15.1 million patient encounters annually with a $15 billion operating revenue. Under his leadership, the clinic expanded its global footprint, including the opening of Cleveland Clinic London, significant growth in Cleveland Clinic Florida, and advancements in Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. He has driven initiatives to enhance caregiver experience, diversity and inclusion while contributing $1.42 billion in community benefits in 2022, focusing on vulnerable populations and public health challenges. Dr. Mihaljevic has championed groundbreaking research efforts, such as the Cleveland Clinic brain study and a quantum computing partnership with technology company IBM, with research grant funding increasing by 26% to nearly $250 million. A skilled thoracic surgeon, he performed nearly 3,000 operations before transitioning to executive leadership and now serves on various influential boards, including GE HealthCare and the US-UAE Business Council.

Amit Rastogi, MD. President and CEO for Jupiter (Fla.) Medical Center. Dr. Rastogi is the first physician leader in Jupiter Medical Center’s 45-year history. He has led the hospital through its most transformative era, positioning it as a nationally recognized healthcare institution. Wielding over 20 years of clinical experience and expertise in healthcare management and AI, he has spearheaded major expansions, including the launch of the Robson Heart & Vascular Institute’s cardiac surgery program and the Anderson Family Cancer Institute. In 2023, the medical center completed two significant projects under his leadership: the expansion of its emergency department and the opening of the $100 million, 90,000-square-foot Johnny and Terry Gray Surgical Institute. His vision for quality, safety and innovation has earned the medical center multiple accolades, such as inclusion on Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals” list and Forbes’ “America’s Best Employers” in 2024.

Shane Strum. President and CEO of Broward Health (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.). Mr. Strum heads up one of the nation’s 10 largest public healthcare systems, overseeing five hospitals, more than 50 ambulatory centers and an 11,000-member workforce with a $1.6 billion operational budget. Under his leadership, Broward Health has achieved significant financial growth, with a 22.3% increase in net operating revenue and $14 million in cost savings since 2022, while also improving credit ratings from Fitch to an “A+”, Moody’s to “Baa1” and S&P to an “A-“ with an improved outlook to positive. He has expanded cardiac services, launched new residency programs, and forged key partnerships with institutions such as Florida Atlantic University and the University of Florida, positioning Broward Health as the county’s first academic medical center. Mr. Strum also spearheaded health equity initiatives, including mobile health units, telehealth expansions and opioid crisis mitigation programs. His community impact extends beyond healthcare, with leadership roles on America’s Essential Hospitals’ policy committee, the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida, and multiple nonprofit and economic development boards. In recognition of his achievements, Mr. Strum was inducted into the Fort Lauderdale Walk of Fame in 2023 and named one of South Florida Business Journal’s “Power Leaders in Healthcare” in 2022 and 2023.

David Zambrana, PhD, DNP, RN. President and COO of Jackson Health System (Miami). As president and COO of Jackson Health System, Dr. Zambrana oversees operations for one of the nation’s largest public health systems, featuring seven hospitals and internationally recognized programs like Ryder Trauma Center and the Miami Transplant Institute. A former trauma and intensive care nurse at the flagship Jackson Memorial Hospital, he has held leadership roles across public and private healthcare organizations, including CEO of the University of Miami Hospital, where he led improvements in clinical care, operations and financial performance. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, Dr. Zambrana also serves as adjunct faculty in University of Miami’s doctor of nursing practice program. His contributions to healthcare extend beyond operations, having published research on Lean Six Sigma and workforce engagement, as well as serving on boards for the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Program and the University of Miami schools of business administration and nursing and health studies.

Healthcare Leaders

Loudrige Jean-Philippe. COO of Palm Beach (Fla.) Health Network Physician Group. Ms. Jean-Philippe is a healthcare executive known for her transformational leadership and commitment to operational excellence. She currently serves as the COO at Palm Beach Health Network Physician Group, a division of Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare. She drives initiatives that enhance patient access, streamline clinic workflows and elevate customer experiences. Her results-oriented leadership has positioned organizations as top performers, achieving record-breaking key performance indicators, including significant gains in operational efficiency and patient satisfaction. Ms. Jean-Philippe excels at aligning organizational objectives and fostering collaboration with key leaders, providers and staff to ensure seamless, high-quality healthcare delivery. A passionate advocate for patient-centered care, she is dedicated to driving sustainable growth and delivering exceptional value to both patients and the healthcare system. Her career is marked by a series of notable achievements, and beyond her executive responsibilities, she actively volunteers to support the communities she serves.