Four Baptist Health leaders recognized as executives to know by Becker’s Hospital Review

Four Baptist Health leaders were named by Becker’s Hospital Review on its Spring of 2024 lists of health care executives to know in the U.S., based on their accomplishments. Within their respective roles, each was recognized for their steadfast commitment to improving access to high-quality health care for all, enhancing the patient experience and championing diversity and health equity by removing barriers to health care.

The four Baptist Health leaders recognized were:

• Timothy Groover, MD, MBA, FASA, FACHE, senior vice president and system chief medical officer, was recognized on two lists: he was named one of 180 chief medical officers to know and one of 231-plus Black health care leaders to know
• Marlow H. Levy, MBA, RN, FACHE, vice president of operations of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, was also celebrated for being one of 231-plus Black health care leaders to know
• Aaron Miri, MBA, FCHIME, CHCIO, senior vice president and chief digital and information officer of Baptist Health, was named one of 46 hospital and health system chief digital officers to know
• Nicole B. Thomas, MHA, FACHE, hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville, was honored as one of the 196-plus women hospital presidents and CEOs to know

“I want to commend these exceptional executives for the extraordinary contributions they make daily. Their positive influence reverberates not only within the walls of our organization but also across our region and beyond,” said Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “Their passion for driving excellence, uplifting others and improving the lives and health of the community serves as a shining example for us all.”

Dr. Groover joined Baptist Health more than 25 years ago as an anesthesiologist and held various successive leadership positions before his appointment as the health system’s chief medical officer in 2022. He oversees the full scope of physician practice across the health system, using data-driven best practices to enhance clinical, operational and service excellence, as well as to identify and eliminate health care disparities. By ensuring high-quality care, patient safety and positive clinical outcomes, Dr. Groover helps improve the overall health and well-being of the community. In 2014, he became the first African American physician to be elected to the board of directors of Baptist Health. He currently serves on the board of the Duval County Medical Society, The KIPP School, Coastal Community Health, Jacksonville University and the Greater Refuge Temple.

Levy joined Baptist Health in 2022. He has more than 30 years of leadership experience in health care, with a particular focus on strategy, growth and the optimization of processes to enhance efficiency, hospital safety, delivery of care and patients’ journeys. He is responsible for an array of clinical and non-clinical support areas, including environmental services, the heart center, laboratory and imaging services, food and nutrition and protective services. A veteran himself, Levy is a member of a Baptist Health’s Veteran Assistance and Support Team which helps newly employed veterans transition into their new role within the health system. He is also an active member of Baptist Health’s Black Organization for Leadership and Development, which is an employee resource group that fosters a culture in which Black and African American team members feel respected and empowered.

Miri joined the health system in 2021. He is responsible for strategies related to initiatives that leverage technology to improve patient care, including implementing digital solutions to streamline communications with physicians and non-clinical staff. Cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence is also used behind the scenes to improve efficiency. Under Miri’s leadership, Baptist Health has received several accolades, including being just one of only eight health systems in the country to receive a Best Employer in IT by Computer World in 2023. That same year, Miri was appointed to the Florida Cybersecurity Advisory Council. He was named 2024 CIO of the Year by Florida ORBIE, the state’s premier technology executive recognition program, for demonstrating excellence in technology leadership.

Thomas joined Baptist Health in 2011 and became hospital president of Baptist Jacksonville in August 2021. She is responsible for the operational and strategic direction of the health system’s flagship hospital. She identifies community needs and oversees initiatives and teams that provide safe, high-quality and compassionate care that leads to better outcomes for patients. In 2016, Thomas became the first woman and first African American to lead a Baptist Health hospital when she accepted the position of president of Baptist Medical Center South, where she led a major construction project to expand both the facilities and services offered on the campus to meet the growing health needs of the community. Thomas is a member of the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, FRP Holdings, Tiger Academy in Jacksonville and is on the board of advisors for Jacksonville University Public Policy Institute.