Leading by example: Baptist Health CEO once again named to ‘Florida 500’ list of most influential leaders

Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health, was named to Florida Trend magazine’s list of the state’s 500 most influential business leaders across more than 60 sectors. This is the third consecutive year he has featured on the prestigious list.

“Florida 500” honorees are selected for their leadership, both in driving success within their organizations and in fostering positive change through community service and philanthropy. “We look for individuals to whom others in their communities or industry sectors turn to for leadership or who set a standard for best practices in their sector,” according to Florida Trend.

The publication uses broad economic categories from the U.S. Department of Commerce to compile the list, with the number of honorees in each category being roughly proportional to that category’s share of the state’s gross domestic product. Dr. Mayo was among 34 honorees in the “Life Sciences” category.

“It’s humbling to be included alongside so many incredible leaders across Florida,” said Dr. Mayo, who was also recognized earlier this year as one of “86 Great Healthcare Leaders to Know” by Becker’s Hospital Review. “I’m lucky to work with a dedicated team that is all about making a real difference in the communities where we live and work.”

Dr. Mayo has more than 30 years of health care executive experience and has been the president and CEO of Baptist Health since June 2021. As the seventh CEO in Baptist Health’s nearly 70-year history, he leads the region’s only locally governed, faith-based, mission-driven, not-for-profit health system. He oversees more than 14,000 team members and more than 2,000 medical staff in the delivery of high-quality, coordinated care and services focused on improving the health and well-being of the people of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

He earned his Doctor of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, his Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Texas Woman’s University and his Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Alabama. He is board-certified in Health Care Management and a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). He was elected to the Board of Governors of the ACHE Class of 2022. Dr. Mayo has served as the ACHE Regent for Florida – Northern and Western, on the editorial board of Healthcare Executive, and on the Regents Advisory Council.

He currently serves as a state delegate of Regional Policy Board 4 (Southeastern U.S.) with the American Hospital Association and is serving a three-year term as a member of the organization’s Board of Trustees. He also serves on the Florida Hospital Association Board of Trustees, representing Region 2.

Dr. Mayo also holds several leadership positions within the community, including serving on the University of North Florida (UNF) Foundation Board, the Dean’s Council of UNF, as an adjunct professor in the Master of Health Administration program at UNF Brooks College of Health, on the Board of Directors with Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors at Community Hospice & Palliative Care.