Baptist Health Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Baptist Health has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, technology, clinical oversight, and pharmacy services.

Committed to advancing regional wellness, Baptist Health delivers high-quality, patient-centered medical care through an extensive network of hospitals and specialty clinics across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Leadership Roles at Baptist Health

  • Chief Executive Officer - Gerard Colman
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Russell Harrington
  • Chief Financial Officer - Katrina Keefer
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Epley
  • Deputy Chief Medical Officer - Ruth Laurent
  • Chief Medical Officer, Pharmacy Services - Neil Miransky
  • Gerard Colman - Chief Executive Officer

    Gerard Colman, the Chief Executive Officer at Baptist Health, directs the overarching strategic vision for this nonprofit healthcare system. Colman manages the integration of advanced medical technologies across the network of hospitals and outpatient facilities. By fostering research partnerships and maintaining high standards of patient-centered care, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization remains a leader in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Gerard Colman coordinates with the Board to align clinical outcomes with community wellness goals. This leadership role involves overseeing the expansion of specialty clinics and ensuring the financial sustainability of the entire health system. Through rigorous operational oversight, the Chief Executive Officer maintains the reputation of the organization as a premier provider of cardiology, oncology, and neurology services. Colman drives innovation in medical treatment programs while upholding the faith-based mission of the system, ultimately securing long-term growth and excellence in regional healthcare delivery.
    Gerard Colman

    Russell Harrington - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Russell Harrington, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Baptist Health, architects the operational framework for the entire health system. Harrington oversees the daily management of major facilities like Wolfson Children's Hospital and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. By optimizing the delivery of maternity care, orthopedics, and behavioral health services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent quality across more than 200 outpatient locations. Russell Harrington manages complex stakeholder relationships to support community health initiatives and regional medical accessibility. This executive role requires balancing the demands of a large-scale nonprofit system with the need for compassionate, patient-focused care. Harrington drives efficiency in hospital operations and supports the integration of specialized treatment programs. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the market position of the organization, ensuring that the system meets the evolving medical needs of patients throughout the Florida and Georgia service areas.

    Katrina Keefer - Chief Financial Officer

    Katrina Keefer, the Chief Financial Officer at Baptist Health, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire nonprofit organization. Keefer oversees the budgeting processes for hospitals, emergency centers, and specialty clinics to ensure long-term financial stability. By analyzing revenue cycles and operational costs, the Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of medical services and the acquisition of advanced diagnostic technologies. Katrina Keefer collaborates with other executive leaders to align financial resources with the strategic mission of providing high-quality, patient-centered care. This leadership role involves monitoring the economic impact of research partnerships and specialized treatment programs, such as those in oncology. Through prudent financial management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the system maintains the necessary infrastructure to serve patients across all stages of life. Keefer drives fiscal accountability, enabling the organization to continue its commitment to community wellness and medical innovation throughout the Southeast region.

    Michael Epley - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Epley, the Chief Information Officer at Baptist Health, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the healthcare system. Epley oversees the implementation of electronic health records and advanced data systems that support clinical decision-making across all hospitals and outpatient facilities. By securing the network against cyber threats and ensuring data interoperability, the Chief Information Officer enables seamless communication between specialty clinics and emergency centers. Michael Epley manages the integration of medical technologies that enhance patient care, including diagnostic tools and research platforms. This leadership role involves aligning IT initiatives with the broader goal of improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency. Through the deployment of scalable digital solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the mission of providing accessible, high-quality care. Epley drives the adoption of innovative software to streamline administrative workflows, ultimately allowing medical staff to focus on delivering compassionate, patient-centered treatment throughout the regional network.
    Michael Epley

    Ruth Laurent - Deputy Chief Medical Officer

    Ruth Laurent, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Baptist Health, oversees clinical quality standards and patient safety protocols across the entire health system. Laurent manages the implementation of evidence-based practices in cardiology, neurology, and rehabilitation services. By coordinating with department heads and medical staff, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer ensures that all facilities maintain high levels of care excellence. Ruth Laurent monitors clinical performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and supports the development of specialized treatment programs. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of safety and continuous learning within the network of hospitals and clinics. Through rigorous clinical oversight, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer ensures that patient care remains the primary focus of the organization. Laurent drives initiatives that enhance the quality of maternity care and primary care services, ensuring that the system meets the diverse medical needs of the community while upholding the highest standards of medical practice.

    Neil Miransky - Chief Medical Officer, Pharmacy Services

    Neil Miransky, the Chief Medical Officer, Pharmacy Services at Baptist Health, directs the pharmaceutical strategy and medication management protocols for the health system. Miransky oversees the integration of pharmacy operations within the oncology, cardiology, and primary care departments to ensure optimal patient outcomes. By managing drug formularies and clinical pharmacy programs, the Chief Medical Officer, Pharmacy Services ensures that patients receive safe and effective medication therapy. Neil Miransky collaborates with clinical teams to implement advanced treatment protocols and support research partnerships. This leadership role involves optimizing the supply chain for essential medications and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards across all hospitals and outpatient facilities. Through the oversight of pharmacy services, the Chief Medical Officer, Pharmacy Services enhances the quality of care provided to patients throughout the region. Miransky drives improvements in medication safety and therapeutic efficacy, directly contributing to the overall mission of providing compassionate, high-quality medical care.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baptist Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Baptist Health?
    Baptist Health is led by Gerard Colman (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Russell Harrington (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Katrina Keefer (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Baptist Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Baptist Health includes leaders such as Gerard Colman (Chief Executive Officer), Russell Harrington (President & Chief Executive Officer), Katrina Keefer (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Baptist Health have?
    Baptist Health has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Baptist Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Baptist Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.