Dane Bennett joins Baptist Health in Northeast Florida as director of Government Relations

Dane Bennett has joined Baptist Health in Northeast Florida as its director of Government Relations, supporting the not-for-profit health system's mission of providing high-quality care and fostering well-being for the community. Working closely with Baptist Health senior executives, Bennett will serve as a strategic liaison with public officials at local, state and federal levels of government to advance legislative, policy and program goals for the benefit of the greater Jacksonville community. He will report to Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health.

"With his extensive experience in government affairs and public policy, Dane is a real asset to our team," said Mayo. "His strategic mindset, collaborative style and demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships make him an excellent fit for our organization."

Prior to joining Baptist Health, Bennett served as director of Governmental Affairs for the Florida Home Builders Association in Tallahassee, Florida. Prior to that, he was a government affairs and public policy analyst with WellCare Health Plans, Inc. in Tampa, Florida, and a legislative aide to Florida State Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto. He is a military veteran, having served five years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves as a Captain and Amphibious Assault Vehicle Officer.

Bennett received his Bachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in leadership and strategic management from Florida State University.