Baptist Hospital Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Baptist Hospital has 5 executives leading key functions including operations, medical affairs, and enterprise management.

Dedicated to enhancing community well-being, Baptist Hospital operates as a not-for-profit health care organization committed to guiding individuals through life's journey and striving for national leadership in quality and service.

Leadership Roles at Baptist Hospital

  • Chief Operating Officer - Renee Kessler
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Mark Faulkner
  • President - Dana Harrison
  • President, Gulf Coast Enterprises - Gilmartin Rich
  • Chief Medical Officer - Robert Hardin
  • Renee Kessler - Chief Operating Officer

    Renee Kessler, the Chief Operating Officer at Baptist Hospital, directs the day-to-day operational strategies across the organization's multiple facilities. This leadership role involves optimizing patient care delivery systems and ensuring efficient resource allocation throughout the hospital network. Kessler focuses on enhancing operational workflows to support Baptist Health Care's commitment to being a national leader in quality and service. The Chief Operating Officer drives initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and operational excellence, directly impacting the organization's ability to serve northwest Florida. By streamlining processes, Kessler ensures seamless integration of services across the hospitals and medical parks, contributing to the overall mission of helping people throughout life's journey. Renee Kessler's oversight extends to managing the complex logistical demands of a large health care system, ensuring readiness and responsiveness to community needs.

    Mark Faulkner - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

    Mark Faulkner, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at Baptist Hospital, spearheads strategic operational planning and execution for the health care system. Faulkner's responsibilities encompass driving growth initiatives and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Baptist Health Care's extensive network of hospitals and medical parks. This executive role involves close collaboration with other senior leaders to align operational objectives with the organization's mission of providing high-quality care. Faulkner oversees the integration of new services and technologies to maintain Baptist's position as a national leader in healthcare innovation. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer plays a critical part in managing the organization's status as one of northwest Florida's largest non-governmental employers. Mark Faulkner's leadership ensures that operational frameworks support the comprehensive care provided to patients across northwest Florida, reinforcing the commitment to helping people throughout life's journey.

    Dana Harrison - President

    Dana Harrison, the President at Baptist Hospital, directs the overall strategic vision and operational management of the health care organization. Harrison leads efforts to advance Baptist Health Care's standing as a national leader in quality and service, ensuring alignment with its not-for-profit mission. This executive position involves fostering a culture of excellence and innovation across all entities, including hospitals, medical parks, and specialized institutes. The President guides the organization's growth and development, reinforcing its commitment to helping people throughout life's journey. Harrison oversees key relationships with community stakeholders and partners, including membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Dana Harrison's leadership is instrumental in maintaining Baptist Health Care's significant role as a major employer in northwest Florida and its dedication to comprehensive patient care.

    Gilmartin Rich - President, Gulf Coast Enterprises

    Gilmartin Rich, the President, Gulf Coast Enterprises at Baptist Hospital, drives the strategic direction and operational success of the enterprise's business ventures. Rich focuses on expanding the reach and impact of Baptist Health Care's services across the Gulf Coast region. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities for growth and ensuring the financial health of the enterprise to support the broader organizational mission. The President, Gulf Coast Enterprises oversees the development and implementation of business strategies that align with Baptist's commitment to quality and service. Gilmartin Rich's oversight ensures that the enterprise contributes effectively to the organization's goal of helping people throughout life's journey. Rich's leadership strengthens Baptist Health Care's market presence and operational capacity in northwest Florida, reinforcing its position as a vital community resource.
    Gilmartin Rich

    Robert Hardin - Chief Medical Officer

    Robert Hardin, the Chief Medical Officer at Baptist Hospital, provides critical clinical leadership and strategic direction for all medical operations. Hardin ensures the highest standards of patient care are maintained across Baptist Health Care's facilities, aligning clinical practices with the organization's commitment to national quality leadership. This role involves overseeing physician relations, medical staff development, and the implementation of evidence-based medical protocols. The Chief Medical Officer champions initiatives that enhance patient safety and clinical outcomes, directly supporting the mission of helping people throughout life's journey. Hardin's expertise guides the integration of medical services within the hospital system and its affiliated medical parks. Robert Hardin's influence is vital in maintaining the clinical integrity and compassionate care that defines Baptist Health Care's service to northwest Florida.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Baptist Hospital Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Baptist Hospital?
    Baptist Hospital is led by Renee Kessler (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Mark Faulkner (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer) and Dana Harrison (President).
    Who is part of Baptist Hospital’s executive team?
    The executive team of Baptist Hospital includes leaders such as Renee Kessler (Chief Operating Officer), Mark Faulkner (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Dana Harrison (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Baptist Hospital have?
    Baptist Hospital has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Baptist Hospital’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Baptist Hospital includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, President, President, Gulf Coast Enterprises, Chief Medical Officer.