The University of Miami’s School of Nursing and Health Studies has appointed Jay K. Ober, MSN, APRN, BC, CCRN, CEN, CFRN as Director of Simulation Education, announced Nilda Peragallo, DrPH, RN, FAAN, dean of the school.

Prior to joining the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, Ober introduced patient simulation into the United States Air Force Reserves (USAFR), where he served as the Director of Aircrew Training, Flight Nurse Instructor, and also formally served as Assistant Chief of Staff Development. He now serves as a tactical Flight Nurse Instructor and newly appointed Chief of Patient Simulation for the USAFR.

Ober has been widely recognized for his innovative approach to patient simulation including an award from the United States Air Force, Air Mobility Command for outstanding program management and the development of patient simulation to train Aero Medical Evacuation Crews as well as a distinguished alumni award from Springfield Technical Community College in MA. A former intensive care nurse, Ober has taught nursing at Springfield Technical Community College, where he received his ADN. He holds a BSN from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an MSN from Ball State University, and is certified as a Flight Nurse Instructor from the School of Aerospace Medicine in San Antonio, TX. Ober is currently completing a Ph.D. in nursing with a research focus on improving patient safety and reducing medical errors through simulation education.



The South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum has named the 2006 Board of Directors. Past President, Francis Afram-Gyening, C.P.M., Operations Director, Memorial Regional Hospital, Primary Care Services; President, M. Alexandra Johnson, CHE, Consultant, Coleman Consulting Group, Inc; President-Elect, Henry Thompson, Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Economic Opportunity Family Health Center, Inc.; Treasurer, Dr. Nancy Borkowski, FACHE, Associate Professor, St. Thomas University; Treasurer-Elect, Jean-Marie Badio, CHE, Administrator, Cedars Medical Center; Networking-Chair, Noel Christian Pace, FACHE, Executive Director, South Florida Surgery Center, LLC; Networking-Chair-Elect, Marco Carrasco, Administrator, West Gables Health Care Center; Membership Chair, Marc Sokolowicz, Director of Medical Economics, Tenet Health System; Membership Chair-Elect, Mark Kent, CHE, Project Manager, Humana; Communication Chair, Jeff Kramer, CPA, President, Kramer, Weisman & Associates; Communication Chair-Elect, John Dailey, CHE, Healthcare Management Consultant and Attorney; Program Chair, Larry Bobo, ServData, Inc.; Program Chair-Elect, Jorge Carballo, Administrator, Miami Endoscopy Center; Members-At-Large, Michelle Foris-Marsh, Director of Business Development, Plantation General Hospital and Westside Regional Medical Center; Kevin Fine, President, Linel Consulting, Inc.; Barbara Ana Perez, Director of Imaging and Therapeutic Services, Jackson Memorial Hospital; Sandra Vazquez, Regional Director, Operations – South Florida; Morrison Healthcare Food Services, Inc.; Jose Quesada, Chief Financial Officer; Cleveland Clinic.

The South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum, an affiliate chapter of The American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), is organized to provide healthcare executives with opportunities for professional development through educational and social activities.



JFK Medical Center began its fortieth year with an event celebrating its last 40 years and a sense of renewal moving into the future. Ross Stone, President of the JFK Medical Staff spoke about JFK Medical Center’s accomplishments and goals while CEO Gina Melby spoke about the dedication of the physicians and staff in continuing to be a medical center of excellence. Keith Allen Johnson, a presidential sculptor from Connecticut, unveiled a bronze bust of John F. Kennedy to commemorate the event.

(l-r) Ross Stone, M.D., President of JFK Medical Staff; Gina Melby, CEO; Keith Allen Johnson; Tracy Johnson

Forty years of excellence began for JFK Medical Center in 1966 as the first living memorial to the 35th president of the United States. On opening day, February 17, 1966, JFK Medical Center was a 150 bed community hospital with 53 patients. The facility has evolved into a major medical/ surgical acute care hospital specializing in cardiovascular, neuroscience, bariatric, oncology, orthopedic, robotics, and women’s services.



Todd H. Varney, Senior Vice President of Rendina Companies, announces the promotion of Gant D. Braley as Vice President. Gant joined the Rendina Companies in July of 2002 as an Associate Leasing Director. Gant was promoted to Leasing Director in July of 2004. He is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, with a Bachelors of Business Administration degree in Real Estate Finance.

Daniel S. Messina, President of Rendina Companies, announces the promotion of Richard M. Rendina as Vice President. Richard joined the Rendina Companies as Leasing Director in August of 2004.

Prior to joining Rendina Companies, Rendina was an Analyst for Lehman Brother’s Banking Development Group. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business degree, majoring in Management and Entrepreneurship.

Todd H. Varney, Senior Vice President of Rendina Companies, is proud to announce the promotion of Michael S. Messina as Managing Director. Michael joined the Rendina Companies in July of 2004 as a Leasing Director. Prior to joining Rendina Companies, Messina worked with Lincoln Financial Group in Chicago as an IT consultant in their finance department. He also worked as a Project Manager with a consumer driven health plan, HealthMarket, Inc., in Norwalk, CT. Messina is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Degree in Management Information Systems.

Daniel S. Messina, President of Rendina Companies announces the promotion of Jonathan C. Sajeski as New Business Development Director. Sajeski joined Rendina Companies in February of 2004.

Sajeski is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science with majors in Real Estate and Finance. Some of his previous work experience includes market analysis and research with Eckerd Corporation’s real estate department.

Daniel S. Messina, President of Rendina Companies, announces the promotion of Stephen K. Barry as Vice President of Paramount Real Estate Services (“Paramount”). Steve joined Rendina Companies as Leasing Director in August of 2004. Prior to joining Rendina Companies, Barry worked on the U.S.

Equities Institutional Sales desk for JPMorgan in New York. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, with a Bachelor of Business degree in Finance.



The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce recently named Joseph Pores, CEO of Call 4 Health/Health Care Answering Services, the Small Business Leader of the Year.

Each year this prestigious award is given to one local small business leader (with 100 or less employees) that has demonstrated profitability, has overcome major obstacles, achieved notable accomplishments, is committed to community involvement and has demonstrated continued growth.

(l-r) Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce President, Troy McLellan; Call 4 Health CEO, Joseph Pores; and Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Tom Lynch.

During his introduction of the winner, Chamber Chairman Thomas Lynch remarked that Pores embodies the qualities of compassion, integrity and honesty in running Call 4 Health, one of the nation’s leading medical and home health care call centers. “Our honoree’s passion for life is evident in the commitment he has made to the betterment of his industry. He has become a pivotal figure in the health care industry and remains devoted to providing both personal and professional support,” said Lynch.

Pores, who underwent life saving open heart surgery in his second year of business, is also known for his philanthropic nature. Currently a Chamber of Commerce Board Member and Trustee Member, he is also a Red Cap Ambassador for the upcoming American Heart Association Walk.