Florida’s healthcare landscape is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Black healthcare executives are ascending to unprecedented leadership positions across Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, driving health equity initiatives and creating pathways for future generations.
The Leadership Gap
Despite Florida’s diverse population—where 55% of young adults are people of color—Black professionals remain dramatically underrepresented in healthcare leadership. A 2024 study found Black Floridians are “very underrepresented” across health professions, with representation actually declining in 10 of 16 key health training programs[1][2]. Yet pioneering leaders are changing this narrative.
Trailblazers Making History
South Florida is leading the charge. Dr. Marie Sandra Severe became the first Haitian-American CEO of Jackson North Medical Center. Dr. Henri R. Ford serves as Dean of UM’s Miller School of Medicine, one of few Black medical school deans nationally[23][24]. Pierre Monice leads Holy Cross Health as CEO, emphasizing equity-centered care[26].
Central Florida saw Dr. Audrey Gregory become AdventHealth’s first Black woman executive cabinet member[29]. Tampa General Hospital’s Qualenta Kivett and Dr. Wendi Goodson-Celerin earned recognition among just 12 Black healthcare leaders honored statewide in 2024[36].
North Florida witnessed historic firsts: Nicole Thomas became Baptist Health Jacksonville’s first Black hospital president in 2016[5], while Dr. Leon L. Haley Jr. became UF Health Jacksonville’s first Black CEO in 2018[6].
When you have leadership that looks like the community, the trust of care increases"
The consequences extend far beyond statistics. These gaps mean fewer Black voices shaping healthcare policy, fewer mentors for aspiring professionals, and fewer leaders who understand the cultural nuances of the communities they serve. Research consistently demonstrates that diverse healthcare leadership improves patient outcomes and satisfaction[4]. When leaders reflect the populations they serve, they build trust and cultural understanding that translates into better care.
The path to leadership for Black healthcare professionals remains fraught with obstacles. Many describe being the only person of color in critical meetings or struggling to find advocates who champion their advancement. Access to influential networks, exposure to senior decision-makers, and opportunities for career-defining projects—these gatekeepers to executive roles have historically excluded Black talent.