After 34 years with Baptist Health, Chief Operating Officer John F. Wilbanks, 63, announced Monday he will retire at the end of the year.
Matt Zuino, who serves as president of physician integration, will take over as executive vice president and COO in January, according to a news release.
“It has been a privilege to serve at Baptist Health for 34 years,” Wilbanks said. “Over the years, I’ve worked with our Boards, administrative leadership, team members and physician colleagues on an amazing journey to better the health and lives of people in the Jacksonville community. I will be forever grateful.”
Wilbanks joined the company in 1986 as vice president of professional services. In 1990, he was promoted to senior vice president of the hospital and in 1998, became the administrator of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. He became COO in 2004.
As COO, he was responsible for Baptist’s five hospitals, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center, Baptist Physician Enterprise, outpatient care campuses, capital and construction planning, business development, nursing and home health care.
He oversaw the hospital’s addition of Baptist South, Baptist Heart Hospital and several freestanding emergency rooms throughout the region. He was also a member of the team that formed the partnership between Baptist Health and MD Anderson.
Baptist Health more than doubled its primary care footprint during his tenure, the release said. Wilbanks also oversaw the partnership with CareSpot, the urgent care provider.
In 2017 and 2018, Wilbanks was named one of the top 25 COOs by Modern Healthcare magazine.
“John’s steady presence and wisdom gleaned from over three decades in this dynamic industry will be missed,” said Brett McClung, president and chief executive officer of Baptist Health. “We know he will be watching our work from near and far with pride as we protect and extend the legacy of his work.”
Wilbanks played basketball at Pan American University in Texas where he received his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He earned his MBA from the University of Georgia. Baptist Health, Chief Operating Officer
