Who: Donald Jernigan, 71
Retiring as: President and CEO of Adventist Health System, headquartered in Altamonte Springs, Fla., effective at year-end.
Background: Jernigan has led Adventist since 2006. He will step down to take on a faculty role at the Adventist Health System Leadership Institute. His replacement will be selected by the system's board in early December. He was previously executive VP and CEO of Adventist's flagship Florida Hospital Orlando and the Florida division.
A consumer-centric system: “Now more than ever, consumer needs are dictating the way healthcare operates,” Jernigan said. “Quite frankly, consumers should have always been at the forefront. Consumers are demanding greater transparency and accountability from the industry. Some may be troubled by this, but I think it presents a tremendous opportunity.”
Consistent leadership: Jernigan will work about 100 days a year at Adventist's Leadership Institute after his retirement. “I think that consistency in your leadership is an important, yet under-valued leadership trait. It's always a good thing when the people you are responsible for leading know what you stand for and know that you will be consistent in that standing as long as it is in the best interest of the organization.”
