April 5, 2022 — HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital recently announced the appointment of George Makhoul as chief operating officer (COO), effective April 4, 2022. In his new role, George will lead the hospital’s daily operations, oversee operational enhancements, support ancillary departments and ensure successful growth across the hospital’s key service lines, including women’s services and minimally invasive robotic surgery. He will also serve as one of the hospital’s ethics and compliance officers.
“We are excited to welcome George Makhoul to the HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital family and to the St. Petersburg community that we have been privileged to serve for more than half a century,” said Ken Wicker, CEO. “George is joining us at a pivotal time of growth for Pinellas County, and his operational leadership will be essential to our ongoing efforts to achieve clinical excellence and provide the best possible care for our patients for years to come.”
Makhoul previously served as vice president of operations at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, where he supervised security, environmental, dietary and transport services. Makhoul was responsible for leading the installation of the new pneumatic tube system, expansion of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), refresh of the Women’s Center, construction of the hospital’s fourth tower and new observation unit, and conversion of the behavioral health unit. Prior to his promotion to vice president of operations, he served as an associate administrator and was selected for the HCA Healthcare COO Executive Development Program, through which Wicker served as his mentor. Makhoul also held previous positions with Parallon, an HCA Healthcare revenue cycle affiliate, HCA Florida Largo Hospital, Sentara Healthcare and Marsh and McLennan Companies.
George received his Master’s degree in Health Care Administration and Management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his bachelor’s degree from William and Mary University in Virginia. He currently resides in Tampa with his wife Jane and their eight-month-old daughter Mara. In his free time, George enjoys reading, traveling, outdoor activities such as golf and hiking, and spending time with family.
About HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital
As part of the HCA Healthcare network, HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital is a Joint Commission accredited full-service 215-bed hospital serving communities in St. Petersburg, Fla., and surrounding areas. This facility provides comprehensive health care services for patients and families, including acute care, emergency services, intensive care, imaging and diagnostics, and surgical services, including minimally invasive robotic surgery. The hospital specializes in women’s services, including obstetrics, gynecology, labor and delivery and a newborn nursery. St. Petersburg Hospital maintains several accreditations, including as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care and Center of Excellence in Robotics Surgery. The hospital also received the Women’s Choice Award for Best Emergency Care and Minimally Invasive Surgery in 2021 and is an ongoing LGBTQ Healthcare Equality Index Leader. For more information, visit www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/stpetersburghospital.
