UF Health names regional hospital COO for Greater Gainesville market
Press release from UF Health
BY GREG HARRISON
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Donnie McLaughlin, FACHE, M.B.A., has joined University of Florida Health as chief operating officer for UF Health Shands Hospital.
With more than 15 years of leadership in academic medicine at large health systems, McLaughlin will provide executive leadership for hospital operations and work closely with physician, nursing, and administrative leaders to advance strategic priorities, enhance operational performance, and ensure exceptional care delivery at UF Health hospitals in Gainesville and Ocala.
“Throughout his career, Donnie has built a reputation as a collaborative, visible, and values-driven leader who brings people together to solve complex challenges and deliver meaningful results,” said Michael Holmes, M.S.A., senior vice president and Greater Gainesville regional president. “His background in leading large-scale operational initiatives, improving patient care pathways and access, and developing high-performing teams will be invaluable as we continue strengthening our hospitals, outpatient practices, and ambulatory care settings throughout the Greater Gainesville region.”
McLaughlin has a proven record of advancing operational excellence, improving patient access and experience, strengthening quality and safety, and driving organizational growth.
He joins UF Health from CHI Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center in Houston, where he served as chief operating officer for the flagship academic medical center and helped lead improvement initiatives across the health system.
Before Baylor St. Luke’s, McLaughlin spent more than a decade at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, holding several senior leadership roles and guiding significant operational growth, service expansion, and facility development efforts.
A former surgical technologist and licensed vocational nurse, he earned an M.B.A. from East Texas A&M University and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.