Brooks College of Health Dean’s Council

Josh Ashby is responsible for managing the operations of Fleet Landing. Before joining the community’s management team more than five years ago, Josh earned a bachelor of science of health degree in ‘05, as well as a master of business administration in ‘09 from the University of North Florida. He previously served as Fleet Landing’s Director of Health Care Services from 2005-2009 and then served as Chief Operating Officer before becoming Chief Executive Officer in September 2010. Josh is licensed by the State of Florida as a nursing home administrator and is an approved preceptor. He currently is involved with LeadingAge Florida in advocating for sound public policy for the field of aging services. Ashby also served on the Board for the Beaches Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville, the World Affairs Council of Jacksonville and recognized as one of the Top 40 Under 40 in the Jacksonville Business Journal in 2012.

Immediate Past Chair of Dean’s Council

Doug Baer has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of Brooks Rehabilitation, Inc. since Oct. 1, 2002. He received a bachelor of science degree from the University of Florida In 1983. From 1983 to 1991, Doug was employed as an auditor by KPMG Peat Marwick servicing various healthcare clients. He joined the hospital holding company, then known as Health South, Inc. in May 1991 as Vice President/Corporate Controller. In 1995, Doug was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. He had this position for six years until he became Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer in June 2001. Doug is also a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, as well as several other civic organizations in the community. He served as Chair of UNF Brooks College of Health Dean’s Council from 2010-2012.

Dr. Scott Baker is a second-generation Jacksonville cardiologist. He graduated from the University of Florida School of Medicine in 1978. He did his internal medicine internship and residency at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. and his cardiovascular fellowship at Baylor University of Medicine in Houston, Tex. Baker is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular medicine. His career includes serving as Chief of Cardiology and Chief of Staff at Memorial Hospital, Assistant Medical Director of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue and he is the founder of the women and heart disease organization “Take it To Heart.” Baker is also the Medical Director of Baker-Gilmour’s Nuclear Cardiology section. Both USA Today and The National Committee of Quality Assurance have recognized Baker for his quality of care.

Charles E. Bell Sr. has more than 35 years of healthcare communications expertise with hardware and software design, branding and distribution of healthcare products. In the early 1980s, he founded Wescom as a division of Westside Communications, Inc. and was Vice President of Sales and Marketing and Vice President of Operations. Bell introduced the first Ethernet TCP/IP Network-based nurse call system and led the development team for the infrared technology utilized by many facets of the Company’s products today. In 2006 Bell rebranded Wescom as Intego Systems, Inc. where he co-invented several patented location technologies and began the introduction of the ProNet.net Nurse Call Network which is today the most advanced nurse call system on the market. In February 2012, Bell joined Critical Alerts Systems, as an equity partner in the new role of Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer.

Bob Brigham is the Chief Administrative Officer for Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville. He was born and raised in a Minneapolis suburb and after completing a bachelor of science degree in 1978 fromn St. John’s University of Minnesota, he began his work at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. After 10 years in Rochester, Brigham relocated to Jacksonville for the first time, working at St. Luke’s Hospital from 1988-1993. He returned to Rochester for the next 11 years, serving in a variety of administrative roles with Mayo Clinic until his return to Jacksonville as Chief Administrative Officer of Mayo Clinic in March 2005. In 2006 he received his M.B.A. from Jacksonville University. Brigham is also President of The Economic Roundtable of Jacksonville and the Assistant Secretary and Trustee of Mayo Clinic Rochester.

Vice Chair of the Dean’s Council

As President and Chief Executive Officer of Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, Jim Burkhart leads more than 3,600 employees, 480 physician faculty and 280 medical residents in executing the strategic plan and vision for effective hospital operations and administration. Additionally, he served as an executive in several regional medical centers in Tennessee and did his residency at the VA Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. Burkhart served ias Captain in the U.S. Army and retired as Colonel In the Air National Guard after serving 35 years. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama Birmingham, where he earned his M.B.A. with an emphasis in hospital and healthcare administration. He has a bachelor of arts degree with dual majors in psychology and biology. He is currently enrolled at the University of Alabama Birmingham in pursuit of his doctoral (DSc) degree. In addition, he serves in an advisory capacity on several boards Including the American Heart Association, United Way Cabinet Services, Dreams Come True, the Florida Sterling Council Board, the Jacksonville Chamber’s Board of Governors and the Chairman of the Community Hospice Board. He Is also a Fellow of the American College Healthcare Executives.

Dr. Bill Carriere is a family physician who has practiced in Jacksonville for more than 35 years. He graduated with honors and special recognition for service to the community from Tulane Medical School and did his residency in family practice at the University of Florida in Jacksonville. Carriere pursued an interest in the treatment of alcohol and drug addictions and became the Medical Director of one of the first accredited alcoholism treatment programs in Florida; subsequently, he led the effort to develop three freestanding addiction treatment hospitals in Florida. His early family business experience combined with a passion for family medicine gave him a rather unique perception of the healthcare industry. He began his practice in 1975, and has built a solo practice into a 45 provider, eight locations primary care group. Carriere also serves in a leadership role at the North East Florida Regional Health Organization.

John T. Casey is a community advocate and healthcare service executive who has been active in healthcare leadership roles for more than 35 years. He retired in 2006 as Chairman and CEO of MedCath, Inc. Since that time, he has remained non-executive Chairman of the Board of Medcath. From 1976 to 1997, Casey served as President and CEO of Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Center (Denver); President and CEO of Methodist Health Systems, Inc. (Memphis); Chairman and CEO of The Samaritan Foundation (Phoenix); President and COO of American Medical International, Inc. (Dallas); and Chairman and CEO of InteCare, LLC (Dallas). In 1999, Casey was the Chairman and CEO of Physician Reliance Network, Inc. He also served on the board at Eclipsys Corp. from 2008 until it was sold in September 2010. Casey has a master of science in hospital and health administration from the University of Alabama Birmingham, ‘72 and a bachelor of science in economics from Auburn University ‘67. He served as lieutenant (junior grade) in the U.S. Navy Reserves from ‘67 to ‘69.

Moody Chisholm is President and CEO of St. Vincent’s Healthcare in Jacksonville. He has more than 30 years of experience in healthcare and leadership roles. Prior to joining St. Vincent’s in 2010, Chisholm served as CEO of Manatee Healthcare System and Vice President of the Acute Care Division of Universal Health Services. He has a master of business administration from Nova Southeastern University, a bachelor of administration, health care management, and a bachelor of science, economics, from Appalachian State University. Chisholm is well known in the healthcare field and has received numerous recognitions including "25 People to Watch" by SRQ Magazine and "Top Turnaround" by Tampa Bay Business Journal in 2007, and most recently as "Ultimate CEO" in 2012 by Jacksonville Business Journal. Chisholm is married and has two children. He has a strong passion for fitness, is very active in the community and serves on multiple boards and committees.

Dr. Yank Coble is the Director and Distinguished Professor of the Center for Global Health and Medical Diplomacy, University of North Florida; and Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Florida. He is Past President of The World Medical Association (WMA), American Medical Association, American College of Physicians, and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Dr. Coble serves as Chair of the Healthcare and Bioscience Council of Northeast Florida and the National Academies of Science Institute of Medicine Roundtable on Environmental Health Sciences, Research and Medicine. He served as Chair of the Physician’s Consortium for Performance Improvement, a Director of the National Quality Forum, a Commissioner of the Joint Commission for Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and on the Advisory Boards of the National Institutes of Health, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Board of Research!America. Coble obtained his medical degree at Duke University Medical School, his residency at New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center and he received a degree in clinical medicine of the tropics from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Coble was a practicing endocrinologist in Jacksonville for 35 years.

Dwight Cooper is Co-Founder and CEO of PPR Healthcare Staffing. In 15 years of operation, the company has been named three times by Inc. magazine as one of America’s 500 Fastest-Growing Private Companies and for eight years consecutively among the Top 25 Best Small Companies to Work For in America according to the Great Place to Work Institute. Cooper attributes business success to the organization’s ability to create a culture that attracts the right people and engages their passions in such a way that the organization operates at peak performance. Within their industry, PPR has a reputation of innovation that has allowed PPR to outgrow its market by a multiple of 10 and organically grow eight successful businesses under the PPR umbrella. Cooper serves on several non-profit boards and committees. He graduated from Florida State University in 1988 with a bachelor of science degree in marketing and was selected twice as a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2001 and 2002.

Chuck Divita is Florida Blue’s (formerly Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida) Group Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. In this role, Divita is responsible for corporate accounting, business planning, operational planning and development, corporate procurement and cost management. Prior to joining BCBS in 2011, Divita was the Chief Financial Officer for FPIC Insurance Group, Inc., a leading writer of medical professional liability insurance in Florida and other markets. Prior to that, he served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Employers Mutual, Inc. He is active in community and professional organizations. Chuck holds Bachelor of Science degrees in both Finance and Accounting from Florida State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of Florida Institute of CPAs.

Dr. Carl Doughty began his practice more 39 years ago as an optometrist. He graduated from Massachusetts College of Optometry (now New England College of Optometry) with a bachelor of science in optometry and a doctorate in optometry. He set up an outreach eye care clinic and served as Clinic Director at Dorchester Neighborhood Health Center. Doughty also graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in public health. One of only about 12 OD-MPH’s in the country at the time. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and an optometrist, as well. In the mid-1970s, Doughty moved to Florida where he practiced for 35 years in Brevard County and served as President and Treasurer of the Brevard Optometric Association. In 2006, he received the Local Society Member award from the Florida Optometric Association. Doughty retired from patient care at the end of 2011 and resides in Palm Bay with his wife Cheryl. He has a love for classic cars and is actively involved with Calvary Chapel Church.

Having spent more than 50 years in hospital administration, Marcus E. Drewa, FACHE, has retired, but still remains very much a part of the fabric of Jacksonville’s healthcare industry. Marcus began his career in 1951 in Tyler, Tex. at the Medical Center Hospital. He was recently honored by Knapp Memorial Hospital in Weslaco, Tex. for having opened the hospital in 1961. His wife was the first patient and had the first baby born there. In 1966, he came to Jacksonville as administrator of Brewster Hospital which became Methodist Medical Center and Foundation. They had the first comprehensive hospice in Florida and the first kidney transplant program in Jacksonville. Methodist merged with Shands in 1999. Since retiring in 2003 from his position as President Emeritus and Consultant to Shands Jacksonville, Marcus has been active with his church and in various organizations such as the Ronald McDonald House in Jacksonville, the Children’s Home Society of Florida, and he is the Paul Harris Fellow in the Southside Rotary Club, among others. He has received many honors for his volunteerism.

Dr. Ann Flipse is a retired Pediatrician and Clinical Instructor. She is a graduate of the University of Texas where she received a bachelor of arts in the Plan II Honors Program. She received her medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis and did her pediatric residency at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Flipse is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. She practiced pediatrics for 13 years in Miami and then taught at the University of Miami, School of Medicine for 20 years where her responsibilities included the development and implementation of a Clinical Skills program and served as the Director of the Professionalism Curriculum for first and second year students. Flipse retired in 2005 and has since moved to Jacksonville where she is involved in UNF in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program and on two community advisory councils.

Debbie Gottlieb is a retired nurse and community advocate who has invested her time and resources in various organizations that meet vital community needs. Her volunteer efforts are directed at the University of North Florida, the Jacksonville Family and Community Services, the Jewish National Fund and St. Vincent’s Health Care Foundation. She created five nursing scholarships at the University of North Florida and built the Debbie Gottlieb Center of Nursing Excellence at St. Vincent’s Medical Center. She and her husband, Mel, also sponsored a special nurses’ recognition program, As co-chair of the St. Vincent’s Foundation DePaul Society, Debbie has raised more than $450,000. This fund has provided such needed programs as those associated with breast health, cancer patient advocacy, mobile diagnostic testing and follow-up care for children and families.

Connie Green is a community advocate in Jacksonville where she takes an active role in providing community service to various local organizations and is currently involved with the Affinity Group for FOCUS Cummer at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. She has a bachelor of arts from the University of Miami and a master of arts, in English literature and American studies from Long Island University, Greenvale, N.Y. Green’s experience includes financial management and as educator. Additional roles of community service she has been affiliated with include the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach, UNF Center for Global Health Caring Community Conferences, City of Neptune Beach - Code Enforcement Board, American Symphony Orchestra League, Leadership Jacksonville, Jacksonville Landmarks Commission, Jacksonville Museum of Science and History Past Board Member, Jacksonville Symphony Association, Board of Trustees and Past President, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Leadership Colorado, Colorado Foundation for Agriculture Board of Directors and Rotary Club of Cedaredge, Colorado, Past President.

Dr. Bob Harmon served as Director of the Duval County Health Department in Jacksonville from August 2006 through September 2012. He is currently the CEO of Harmon Health Group. He serves as a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine in Jacksonville and Clinical Professor of Public Health at the Center for Global Health and Medical Diplomacy in the Brooks College of Health at the University of North Florida. His background includes positions as national medical director for United Health Group; administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and Assistant Surgeon General in the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. Harmon served as Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Director of Public Health in Phoenix, Arizona. Harmon received his bachelor and medical degrees from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and a master of public health degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md. He is board certified in preventive medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine. He has authored more than 60 publications dealing with quality improvement, managed care, primary care, public health administration and health policy.

Cory Hodak is a Jacksonville lawyer specializing in civil litigation, previously a registered nurse specializing in intensive care nursing, and lectures as an adjunct professor at UNF’s Brooks College of Health. Hodak received a nursing degree from the University of North Florida ‘86 (summa cum laude) and a law degree with honors from the University of Florida. She has served on numerous legal committees including Chair of The Florida Bar’s Civil Procedure Rules Committee, Chair of the Code of Rules of Evidence Committee, Chair of the Jacksonville Bar’s Professionalism Committee and Governor of the New Lawyer’s Division of the American Trial Lawyer Association. Cory currently serves on The Florida Bar’s Rules of Judicial Administration Committee, is a master in the Chester Bedell Inn of Court, steward of the Jacksonville Community Council and trustee emeritus for the University of Florida College of Law. She has recently joined the Board of the UNF Foundation.

Ray Johnson serves as President and CEO of LCPS Management, Inc., and is a member of the Life Care St. Johns (LCSJ) Board and the Life Care Ponte Vedra (LCPV) Board. He has a bachelor of science degree in recreation from the University of Florida, a master of business administration from the University of North Florida and is a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. With more than 30 years of management experience in health care, Johnson has been the administrator of two hospitals and has been the Executive Director of Vicar’s Landing since March 1990. He is a Past Chair of the Florida Association of Homes for the Aging (FAHA), and is a member of the House of Delegates of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA).

Walter Jones currently serves as Senior Vice President for Allstate Benefits in Jacksonville. He leads the division’s strategic initiative to increase Allstate’s market presence in large and mega employer account marketplaces. His role at Allstate Benefits is to help large public and private clients look for new and innovative employee benefit solutions to help navigate the challenges and opportunities with healthcare reform. Prior to joining Allstate’s Workplace Division, he served as the Vice President of the Employee Benefits Group at Aon Consulting based in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has two decades of experience in the voluntary benefits business. Walter is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a bachelor of science in business administration.

Joyce Kramzer is Senior Vice President of Business Operations at Florida Blue and is responsible for the business strategies and operations of delivery system, service, IT and business process management, as well as the execution of integrated business transformation across these areas. Prior to her current role, Kramzer was Senior Vice President of Delivery System, providing leadership for network management, care management, medical cost management and medical informatics. She was also Vice President of Underwriting with overall responsibility for underwriting and renewing group business. Throughout her career, Joyce has been active in the community as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Daniel Foundation and serves on the board of directors of Capital Health Plan, Health Options, Inc. and Florida Health Care Plan. Kramzer is currently Chair of the American Heart Association Board, and Chair for the Go Red for Women movement, and also serves on the Availity board. Kramzer has a bachelor of arts in business administration with a concentration in marketing from Duquesne University.

Mark LaBorde is the President of Aetna’s Florida Markets and is responsible for Commercial Sales, Network, Medicare and Profit and Loss. He is also responsible for coordinating services among product development, underwriting, finance and actuarial to serve local businesses. Mark has spent more than 25 years of his career with Aetna in a variety of field and corporate positions. He graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga. and has a Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, in conjunction with the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Mark is currently a member of the Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board, chaired by the Florida Insurance Commissioner. He also serves as a Trustee of San Jose Episcopal Day School in Jacksonville, and is a Past President of the Board of Directors for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of North Florida.

Dr. John Montgomery brings years of experience linking health plans and providers with patient-centered strategies. Montgomery was recently promoted to Vice President and Market Medical Executive for Humana’s Commercial Line of Business for Florida and will represent Humana’s Commercial interest throughout the State of Florida. Prior to his promotion, John served as Humana’s Regional Medical Director for Florida. He has also held several senior leadership positions in healthcare with Clinical Innovation (Washington, D.C.), Blue Cross Blue Shield (Florida) and First Coast Service Options, Medicare contractor (Florida and Connecticut). He received his undergraduate degree from Brown University, a master of public health from Yale University School of Medicine and a medical degree from Brown University School of Medicine. John is a Certified Physician Executive, as well as a Certified Health Insurance Executive and is board certified in Family Practice and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Jim O’Loughlin joined Memorial Hospital in February 2012 as the new President and Chief Executive Officer. He came from the Carolinas Health System in Florence, S.C. where he served as CEO since 2002 and was selected as Chairman of the South Carolina Hospital Association Board of Trustees in 2011. Prior to his employment with Carolinas, O’Loughlin was CEO of Gadsden Regional Medical Center in Gadsden, Ala. and was President and CEO of Presbyterian Hospital in Oklahoma. He also served as CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital in Oklahoma and Chief Operating Officer of Tallahassee Community Hospital in Florida. Jim has an undergraduate degree from Springfield College, a master of science degree from the University of South Carolina, a master of business administration from Nova University and a doctorate from Florida State University. He is a civic leader; having served on numerous boards, and has been a long-time supporter of many charities including United Way, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Donna Orender is CEO of Orender Unlimited, a consulting firm whose competencies include providing sales, marketing, media and diversity strategies. She most recently served six years as President of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her responsibilities included the oversight of all league operations Including both business and competitive aspects of this complex organization. Donna’s business career began after playing three years in the Women’s Professional Basketball League. She has been recognized by Fox Sports as one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Women in Sports. She serves on the boards of the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, is Co-Chair of the UJA Sports for Youth Initiative and Co-Chair of the Board of W.O.M.E.N., a mentoring organization. Donna is a graduate of Queens College in New York with a degree in psychology and pursued graduate studies in social work at Adelphi University where she was recently awarded an honorary doctorate. She grew up in Long Island, N.Y. and was a five-sport athlete in high school, and an All-American basketball player In college.

Shyam Paryani is the Director of the Florida Radiation Oncology Group (FROG). He is board certified in radiation oncology and was inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Radiation Oncology in 2000. He is an Assistant Professor of Oncology at Mayo Clinic, and is involved in the Baptist Health Foundation. Paryani received a bachelor of science in electrical engineering and a master of science in nuclear engineering/radiation physics from the University of Florida. Continuing his education, he received his doctorate of medicine from the University of Florida, and in 2002, he received a master of health administration from University of North Florida. Paryani is actively involved in the Jacksonville community. He is a member of the Duval County Medical Society, the former President (Duval unit) of the American Cancer Society and has served on many boards.

Paul A. Pitel, M.D., serves as the Associate Chief Executive of the Practice - Florida and Chair, Department of Pediatrics of Nemours Children’s Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. A graduate of Brown University and the Brown Medical School, he has written and lectured extensively in his field. Dr. Pitel works on patient safety and quality issues for Nemours Florida. Dr. Pitel is the lead statewide physician champion for Nemours Florida safety work and the Caring Communication program. Pitel currently serves as a Member of the American Society for Clinical Oncology, American Society for Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, American Cancer Society, Duval County Medical Society, and as a full member of the Children’s Oncology Group. He is board certified with the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Pediatrics/Hematology-Oncology. He chairs the Governor’s Advisory Council on Genetics and Newborn Screening in Florida, and he also serves on several local charitable boards.

Capt. Gayle Shaffer is Jacksonville’s newest commanding officer, most recently served as executive officer of Naval Hospital Okinawa and is a dentist, a diplomate of the American Board of General Dentistry and a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Born in Bloomington, IL, Shaffer attended the University of South Alabama earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1987. Upon graduation she entered the University of Alabama, School of Dentistry and was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy Dental Corps in 1989. She received her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in 1991 and completed a General Practice Residency in Hospital Dentistry at Naval Hospital Great Lakes. From 2000-2002, she attended the Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, MD, earning a Certificate in Comprehensive Dentistry and a Master of Science degree in Health Sciences from George Washington University. Shaffer’s career with the military expands over 20 years of experience, deployments and leadership positions, and decorations that include the Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (4), various other service/unit awards, and Surface Warfare Medical Department Officer Qualification.

Mike Shumer is a successful healthcare innovator, entrepreneur, and an expert about the role of innovation and the future of healthcare. Mike has worked over the last 25 years to enhance the efficient delivery of healthcare to increase quality and lower costs. Mike is CEO of Crucial Care, a Joint Commission Accredited Emergency Medicine facility that works with hospitals to redefine the efficient delivery of high quality Emergency Medicine. Crucial Care’s innovative model leverages high quality medical care and the latest technology to reduce the need for hospitalization and to significantly lower healthcare costs. Mike is passionate about his philanthropic activities, is active in the non-profit community, and serves on the board at Jacksonville Country Day School and the Jacksonville Jewish Federation. Mike holds a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida and an MBA in Technology Management. The center of Mike’s world is his family: wife Tammy and two sons Isaac and Aaron. Mike lives in Jacksonville Beach where he enjoys outdoors activities and sharing time with his family.

Russ Thomas is the Chief Executive Officer of Availity, the industry leader in connecting physicians, hospitals, health plans and their stakeholders through streamlining the automated delivery of business and clinical information. He has served in this role since March 2012. Previously, he was Availity’s President and Chief Operating Officer, a position he held since joining the company in 2008. Thomas brings a strong background in healthcare technology and clinical information solutions to Availity. Prior to joining Availity, Thomas was the Chief Executive Officer of Gold Standard, an industry leader in drug information databases and clinical knowledge solutions. Thomas is active in industry and philanthropic organizations, including serving as a founding board member of the Tampa Bay Regional Health Information Organization, a community-based public/private regional health information network. He was also a founding board member and past chairman of Hillsborough Kids, Inc. He is active with United Way of Northeast Florida. Russ earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Virginia Tech and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia. He resides in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife Claudia and their two children.

Chair of the Dean’s Council

After serving as the Administrator of Baptist Medical Center Downtown since 1998, John Wilbanks was appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in 2004. John joined Baptist as VP of Professional Services in 1986 and was promoted to a Sr. VP in 1990, a position he held with Baptist Medical Center, Baptist St. Vincent’s and now Baptist Health. John holds a bachelor’s degree from Pan American University in Edinburg, TX, where he received the Wall Street Journal Award and the Lou Hassell Award as Outstanding Scholar Athlete. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Georgia before beginning his healthcare career at Georgia Baptist Medical Center in Atlanta, GA. John serves on the Board of Directors of The Sulzbacher Center and is past Chair of its Health Services Committee. In addition, he serves on the Board of the Duval Regional YMCA, the Board of Governors of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and the Campaign Cabinet of the United Way of Northeast Florida. He served on the Board of the Florida Hospital Association from 2003-2007, is a past President of the Duval County Unit of the American Cancer Society. He also served on the Board of the South Jacksonville Club of Rotary International, and volunteered with the Jacksonville Community Council, Inc. John is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and a member of the 1993 Leadership Jacksonville class. A current passion is his role in his church, MissionWay Community Church.