November 6, 2023 – St. Mary’s Medical Center is delighted to announce the appointment of Maria Morales-Menendez as the new Group Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Palm Beach Health Network and St. Mary’s Medical Center, effective today. In a move that highlights the organization’s commitment to leadership, Morales-Menendez will bring her exceptional track record in healthcare management to lead the Palm Beach Health Network and St. Mary’s Medical Center in their continued pursuit of excellence.
Morales-Menendez’s promotion is a testament to her outstanding contributions to the healthcare industry. As a seasoned and innovative leader, she has consistently excelled in areas such as team building, operational improvement, project management, service line growth, and physician relations. Her dedication and expertise have made her a respected figure in the field.
Her journey with Delray Medical Center began in 2021 when she was appointed as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to her appointment as COO, she served as an associate administrator and administrative resident, gaining a deep understanding of the healthcare system and its complexities.
During her tenure at Delray Medical Center, she oversaw several significant capital projects, including the expansion of surgical suites, the renovation of the second-floor tower, and the establishment of new procedural rooms for specialty care. Her leadership led to the acquisition of innovative technologies like Aquablation Therapy and Focused Ultrasound, demonstrating her commitment to advancing patient care.
In recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication to healthcare, she was selected as a member of Modern Healthcare’s class of Top 25 Emerging Leaders in 2022. This acknowledgment further underscores her significant contributions to the industry.
Maria Morales-Menendez’s educational background is equally impressive. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biosystems engineering from the University of Kentucky and went on to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration with a healthcare specialization from Baylor University. Her educational journey has equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to excel in healthcare leadership.
Cynthia McCauley, CEO of St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, expressed her excitement about Maria’s appointment, saying, “Please join us in welcoming Maria to St. Mary’s Medical Center and congratulate her on her expanded role within the Palm Beach Health Network. We are confident that her leadership will enhance our commitment to exceptional patient care and service excellence.”
About Palm Beach Health Network
The Palm Beach Health Network (PBHN), comprising six hospitals and care centers spanning Palm Beach County, is the largest healthcare network in Palm Beach County. Our hospitals, including Delray Medical Center, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, and West Boca Medical Center, along with a large multi-specialty physician group, various ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient diagnostic facilities, is recognized for providing the highest quality healthcare, combining cutting-edge health services with patient-centric care. With the greatest longevity in the community, along with hospitals and care centers that span the entirety of Palm Beach County, more patients trust PBHN than any other in the region.
About St. Mary’s Medical Center
St. Mary’s Medical Center (SMMC), part of the Palm Beach Health Network, is a 420-bed acute care hospital in West Palm Beach. The hospital has been serving Palm Beach County and the Treasure for more than 80 years. SMMC is a Level 1 Trauma Center, a state-designated Pediatric Trauma Referral Center, certified Comprehensive Stoke Center, and has a level III NICU.
Pediatric services are provided at the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center, which is the only dedicated children’s hospital between Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando. Along with 24/7 dedicated pediatric emergency and trauma care, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital’s medical staff consists of 196 pediatricians in 36 subspecialties.
To learn more about St. Mary’s Medical Center and Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, visit www.stmarysmc.com, www.palmbeachchildrens.com or call 561-844-6300.