July 11, 2022 – Healthcare Network, a nonprofit organization working to ensure primary medical care is accessible to everyone in the community, regardless of job or insurance status, announced that its board of directors has chosen Jamie Ulmer, after a national executive search, as the organization’s next chief executive officer. Ulmer, recently served as CEO for Heart of Florida, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving Marion County, FL.
Ulmer succeeds Dr. Emily Ptaszek who stepped down earlier this year to become president and CEO of a FQHC in Colorado.
“After a comprehensive nationwide search process, the board is pleased to have found the most qualified individual to assume leadership of this organization,” said Haris Domond, board chair for Healthcare Network. “The combination of Jamie’s experience, results and drive makes him an ideal fit for Healthcare Network today and for our next stages of growth.”
Ulmer brings a wealth of healthcare leadership experience to the role, including more than 24 years of service in the military where he began his medical career. During his years of service, he saw multiple deployments and job assignments with progressive leadership responsibilities. In 2013, Ulmer honorably retired from active duty as Executive/Operations Officer in Fort Bragg, NC.
Upon his retirement from the military, Ulmer worked for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control as the state’s public health administrator for emergency medical services for children; served as public health administrator for the United States Army, Fort Jackson, SC; and was recruited to be chief operating officer of Rural Health Services, an FQHC in Aiken, SC.
Most recently, as CEO for Heart of Florida, his accomplishments include increasing the organization’s operating budget from $7.9 million to more than $30 million in four years; establishing an elder care contract to provide care to Heart of Florida patients living in a local assisted living facility and a skilled nursing facility, generating more than $3 million of revenue in its first year; and opening four 340B on-site pharmacies and a free-standing pharmacy to provide patients drive-thru and after-hours access, which earned $4 million in revenue in its first year.
Ulmer is a distinguished member of the Ocala community who served on several boards focused on improving the county. He is also an active member of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and Florida Association of Community Health Centers (FACHC) serving on several committees. Ulmer earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from South Carolina State University, and a master’s degree in human resources development and health services management from Webster University in St. Louis.
About Healthcare Network
In 2022, Healthcare Network is celebrating its 45th anniversary. Since its founding, the organization’s mission has been to provide quality healthcare accessible to everyone, regardless of job, income, or insurance status. The organization has grown from two small trailers in Immokalee to a comprehensive network of providers located throughout Collier County. Primary healthcare services include family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, senior care, and pharmacy as well as dental care and integrated behavioral health for both adults and children. Additionally, the organization’s community health workers bring health and social services directly to underserved families. For more information, visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.
