Baptist Health South Florida, Baptist Health Foundation

Over $6.7 million in Proceeds Raised will Benefit Baptist Health’s Hospitals and Institutes

MIAMI, FL – May 11, 2022 – Baptist Health Foundation held its Grand Gala Saturday, May 7 at LoanDepotPark with a special celebration honoring Brian and Susan Keeley’s decades-long commitment to the organization. The event united community leaders, healthcare professionals, donors and corporate philanthropy partners to reflect upon and honor the visionary leadership of Mr. and Dr. Keeley and their unparalleled contributions that transformed a single hospital in Miami into a world-renowned healthcare organization.

Keeley will be retiring as CEO of Baptist Health in the fall of 2022 after 53 years of service. Under his leadership, the organization has grown into the largest and most preferred healthcare organization in the region and is one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune magazine; one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute; and has achieved top ranking in U.S. News & World Report year after year.

“Leading the tremendously talented team at Baptist Health has been one of my life’s greatest privileges. Susan and I feel incredibly grateful for our community’s generosity over the years,” said Brian E. Keeley, CEO of Baptist Health. “Funds from this event will help to carry on the legacy of Baptist Health and further enhance what makes this organization so special – its people and its patients. I thank our employees, board members, and supporters from the bottom of my heart for helping to make this longstanding vision a reality.”

Aptly themed “Back to the Future,” Gala guests enjoyed a cocktail reception followed by a formal seated dinner, a drone light show, and a presentation honoring Brian and Susan Keeley’s contributions to the South Florida community. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a proposed new building on the Baptist Hospital Campus, which will be named the Brian and Susan Keeley Pavilion and will house Miami Cancer Institute Women’s Cancer Center.

In total, the Grand Gala raised over $6.7 million. The funds raised will help support exceptional patient services, research and clinical trials, education and training for healthcare staff, state-of-the-art technology, community outreach programs and more.

“Philanthropy allows us to continue pushing boundaries and making breakthroughs in healthcare, bringing innovation in treatments and therapies to our patients,” shared Alex Villoch, CEO of Baptist Health Foundation. “Every year, we are humbled by the tremendous support from our donors, but this year we are truly amazed. We look forward to continue standing by our mission of delivering exceptional compassionate care to every community in South Florida.”

“Today, we are on the cusp of major transformations, with new facilities, digital innovation, state-of-the-art technology, advanced research and world-class physicians,” said Jim Carr, Chairman, Baptist Health Board of Trustees. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the Baptist Health family, and we cannot thank the Keeleys enough for their vision and leadership.”

“Under Brian’s leadership, Baptist Health has gone from a single hospital to one of the best healthcare systems in the country,” said Bo Boulenger, Baptist Health’s President & Chief Operating Officer, who will succeed Keeley as President & CEO. “He is a true visionary who has dedicated his career to this organization – its people, patients and community as a whole. I could not be more humbled to be stepping into his role, and look forward to honoring his legacy and the Baptist Health mission by guiding the organization into its next phase.”

The Grand Gala sponsors included Bruce & Cynthia Sherman as Title Sponsors, Karel Foti as Presenting Sponsor, CC Homes, Envision Physician Services and The Nateman Family as Diamond sponsors. Robins & Morton was the Platinum sponsor, and BMI, RASF, and Richard P. Cole, Esq. were Gold sponsors.

Other noteworthy sponsors included Bomnin Automotive, Michele & Howard Kessler, Drs. Joel & Randy Schenkman, and Dr. John & Josie Wang. The Miami HEAT continues to serve as the official sports team partner, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings LTD as the official cruise partner, American Airlines as the official airline partner, and Braman Miami the official auto partner of the Gala.

The Baptist Health Grand Gala was also made possible through the support of Bacardi,

Bank of America, Trish & Dan Bell, ANF Group, Belmont Village, City National Bank, CRMS, Crescent Heights, CritiCare Clinics Inc., Falk Waas, Florida National University, Golden Tree, Healthcare Appraisers, INSIGHTEC, Intercontinental, Kids Medical Services, Inc., Media Counselors, Miami Dolphins, MOSS, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, NV2A Group, Ocean Reef Supporters and Republica Havas.

For event photos, please click here. If interested in donating to Baptist Health Foundation, please visit our donation page.

About Baptist Health Foundation

The mission of Baptist Health Foundation is to inspire philanthropy and build extraordinary donor relationships in support of excellence, innovation, community wellness and global leadership in healthcare at Baptist Health South Florida. Through philanthropy, the Foundation supports and expands Baptist Health’s ability to provide outstanding patient care and bring the latest treatments to patients and families affected by a serious illness. Donor contributions also allow the Foundation to assist Baptist Health facilities in keeping pace with technology and equipment advances, perform cutting-edge research and offer continuing education opportunities to medical staff. Learn more at BaptistHealth.net/Foundation.

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 24,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Baptist Health South Florida

MIAMI – June 16, 2021– Brian E. Keeley, President & Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health South Florida, the region’s largest healthcare organization, today announced his plan to retire in 2022.

Keeley began his career as an administrative resident with Baptist Hospital in 1969. After serving four years as an officer of the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corp, he was named Assistant Administrator of the hospital in 1973, Chief Operating Officer in 1979 and CEO in 1986. He oversaw Baptist Hospital’s mergers with South Miami Hospital and Homestead Hospital in 1995, subsequently becoming the President and CEO of the newly formed Baptist Health South Florida.

“It has been my privilege and honor to serve our community alongside some of the most dedicated, compassionate, and brilliant people that I have ever met. Our people are what make Baptist Health so special, and I know they will carry our organization into the future and continue to work tirelessly to care for our patients, families, and each other,” said Keeley. “I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the nearly 24,000 Baptist Health employees, 4,000 physicians, Board members, supporters and volunteers who give the best of themselves daily in support of our important mission.”

Keeley spearheaded the additional growth of the health system that now includes 11 hospitals and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Under his leadership, Baptist Health has become the largest and most preferred healthcare organization in the region with an operating budget of $4 billion, providing $380 million in charity care and community benefit last year.

Among his proudest accomplishments, Keeley notes Baptist Health being named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune magazine; one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute; and achieving top ranking in U.S. News & World Report year after year.

“Under Brian’s leadership, Baptist Health has grown into a world-class healthcare organization attracting top talent and providing our South Florida communities with exceptional care,” said Baptist Health Board of Trustees Chair, James Carr. “Brian is a true visionary who has elevated healthcare in our community through his servant leadership and his steadfast commitment to this organization and our people.”

With Keeley’s pending retirement, the board has unanimously selected Albert “Bo” Boulenger, current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, to succeed Keeley. Boulenger began his career with Baptist Health in 1985 at South Miami Hospital. In 1994, he was named CEO of Homestead Hospital, and in 2006 he became CEO of Baptist Hospital. In 2018, he assumed his current role as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Health.

“Every day, the men and women of Baptist Health take on some of the greatest challenges in our industry and the world—this past year was no exception. Their selfless service to our patients and communities is a source of tremendous pride and inspiration to me. I am honored to serve them and our mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Boulenger.

During the transition, Keeley will continue in his CEO role until his retirement. He will focus his efforts on long-term strategy, mergers and acquisitions, philanthropy, innovation, and board development, education and recruitment. Boulenger will assume the title of President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately, and will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the health system, including strategic plan execution, finance, marketing, digital transformation, clinical transformation and the physician enterprise.

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About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 24,000 employees, 4,000 physicians and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Baptist Health South Florida

Coral Gables, Fla. – August 9, 2019 – Baptist Health South Florida, the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in South Florida, today named Dawn White as its new Vice President of Government and Community Relations. She will assume her new role on September 3, 2019.

White will provide strategic and operational leadership for government and community relations across the four counties served by Baptist Health – Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach – as well as for State of Florida and Federal levels. White will succeed Phillis Oeters who will be retiring from Baptist Health at the end of the year after 30 years of dedicated service. She will report to Alex Villoch, Chief Executive Officer for the Baptist Health South Florida Foundation.

White is an accomplished government affairs executive with experience developing and implementing comprehensive government relations strategies and policies to protect and promote business interests. For the past 23 years she worked for American Airlines, where she was Director of State and Local Government Affairs, responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the company’s governmental priorities and policies in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. She joined the airline in the early days of its Miami hub and was the first and only one to hold this position in Miami.

White represented American Airlines as a member of the boards of several organizations, including the Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County’s economic development agency, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Dawn is a highly capable leader and has deep experience in governmental relations at all levels,” Villoch said. “We’re thrilled that she’s joining our team, and confident that we’ll benefit from her ability to navigate the intricacies of state and local government.”

Joe Natoli, Baptist Health’s Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, said White is joining Baptist Health at a perfect time. “Dawn is a supremely talented leader who will play a vital role in Baptist Health’s efforts to bring high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the communities that we serve.”

Prior to her work at American Airlines, White served as Director of Government Relations at Jackson Memorial Hospital, Director of State Intergovernmental Affairs at Miami-Dade County, Executive Director of the Dade County Legislative Delegation, and Legislative Aide to former State Representative Mike Abrams.

Born and raised in Miami, White graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. She lives with her family in Parkland, Florida.

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 11 hospitals, nearly 23,000 employees, more than 4,000 physicians and more than 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned centers of excellence in cancer, cardiovascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and neurosciences. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and Baptist Health Care On Demand, a virtual health platform. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Hospital Ranked #1 in the Region for the Second Time

MIAMI, FL – August 8, 2017 – Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized for being among the best healthcare providers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report in its 2017-2018 Best Hospitals report. For the second time, Baptist Hospital was ranked #1 in all of South Florida, which includes Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital tied for #6, and Homestead Hospital ranked #9 in the region.

Five Baptist Health hospitals—Baptist Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital—earned a total of 26 high-performing honors in 13 types of care, including: Gastroenterology & GI Surgery, Geriatrics, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Heart Bypass Surgery, Heart Failure, Colon Cancer Surgery, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Hip Replacement, Knee Replacement and Lung Cancer Surgery. Baptist Health’s Centers of Excellence – Miami Cancer Institute, Miami Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute and Baptist Health Neuroscience Center – were all recognized as high-performing in their respective area of expertise.

“We are very proud that Baptist Hospital earned the top spot in our area for its commitment to excellence. We share this first-rate recognition with our physicians, nurses and employees, who carry out our mission of providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to our patients,” said Brian E. Keeley, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “To be honored among the best hospitals locally and in the nation validates that we are meeting and surpassing the high standards we set for our organization and that results in great patient care.”

The annual Best Hospitals rankings, now in their 28th year, are part of U.S. News’ patient portal, designed to help patients make informed decisions about where to receive care for life-threatening conditions or for common elective procedures.

For the 2017-18 rankings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 medical centers nationwide in 25 specialties, procedures and conditions. In the 16 specialty areas, 146 hospitals were ranked in at least one specialty. In rankings by state and metro area, U.S. News recognized hospitals as high performing across multiple areas of care.

“For nearly three decades, we’ve strived to make hospital quality more transparent to healthcare consumers nationwide,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News. “By providing the most comprehensive data available, we hope to give patients the information they need to find the best care across a range of specialties.”

The U.S. News methodologies include risk-adjusted survival and readmission rates, volume, patient experience, patient safety, quality of nursing care and other care-related indicators.

Best Hospitals was produced by U.S. News with RTI International, a leading research organization based in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

About Baptist Health South Florida

Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with eight hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen’s Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has approximately 16,000 employees and 2,400 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/newsroom and connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF and on Twitter and Instagram @BaptistHealthSF.

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