Healing Together
Russ Armistead, MBA, the new CEO of UF Health Jacksonville, shares his background and vision.
When I retired from my role as CEO of UF Health Jacksonville at the end of 2017, I didn’t imagine I would be back again three and a half years later. Although the circumstance of my return is not a happy one, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be than here, supporting this wonderful organization in the aftermath of losing our beloved Leon L. Haley Jr., MD.
I am here to support and guide UF Health Jacksonville during this time of change, alongside Linda Edwards, MD, who serves as the dean of the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville. You will read more about Dr. Edwards in this issue, including more about her background and vision for the college.
I want to share a little more about who I am for those of you who haven’t worked with me yet. My history with UF Health goes back nearly 20 years. I served as the CEO of UF Health Jacksonville from 2013 until my retirement in 2017. Before that, I served as associate vice president for finance and planning for UF Health in Gainesville and Jacksonville for almost 10 years. Prior to UF Health, I was president of Armistead Consulting LLC, a North Carolina firm that provided management and consultation services to academic health centers, hospitals and other health care organizations.
Russ Armistead, MBA, is the new CEO of UF Health Jacksonville.
I have navigated numerous areas of business during my years in the workforce — from finance to clinical operations — with the goal of supporting the highest-quality patient care, education and research. My background in health care began at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, where I served in various leadership positions over the course of 24 years, including as vice president for health services administration and senior associate dean for administrative services.
Today, it’s my pleasure to return to UF Health Jacksonville and continue leading this enterprise in the direction Dr. Haley was taking it. COVID-19 has taken an immeasurable toll on all of you, and I am here to support each and every one of you during this time. I appreciate the hard work you do every day, despite the current circumstances. Please continue to stay dedicated and steadfast as we work through this challenge together.
In my first video update, I said I want everyone to feel comfortable reaching out to me directly, and I mean it. Thank you for your warm welcome back, and I look forward to positive days ahead. It is a privilege to be your CEO again!
Sincerely,
Russell E. Armistead, MBA
CEO, UF Health Jacksonville
