from staff
The Nominating Committee of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce has nominated Baptist Health President and CEO, A. Hugh Greene, FACHE, to be Chamber chair in 2011. Following election by the Chamber’s board of directors, Greene will begin his duties as chair-elect in January 2010.
“This is a challenging and exciting time in our nation and in Jacksonville. I am honored to join the legacy of leaders at the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce and look forward to working with them to help drive economic growth in Northeast Florida,” said Greene.
As president and CEO of Baptist Health, he leads a comprehensive, community-based health system that is comprised of five hospitals and is one of the largest employers in Jacksonville.
Greene is the founding chair of JaxCare, a program for the working uninsured. In 2008, Mayor John Peyton appointed him to the “Jacksonville Journey” Steering Committee, a citywide anti-crime initiative. In 2007, the Jacksonville Business Journal named him one of the areas 12 “Ultimate CEOs” and he also was inducted into the First Coast Business Hall of Fame.
“Hugh is a leader with strategic vision and the commitment and drive to make change happen,” said Kelly Madden, 2010 Chamber chair-elect and Wachovia Wholesale Market President, North Florida. “He is the kind of leader we need on our team as we work to achieve our vision of a vibrant and prosperous regional community with an outstanding quality of life.”
Mike Hightower, 2009 Chamber chair and vice president of Government and Legislative Relations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, added “This is a tremendous win for the Jacksonville Regional Chamber. Hugh’s demonstrated community passion and extraordinary leadership expertise in so many areas from health care to leading one of the largest most successful hospital systems in the region will only greatly enhance our business community’s reputation as Florida’s center for economic development excellence.”
As chair-elect in 2010, Greene will lead the Chamber’s annual planning process along with the annual Leadership Trip.
“Hugh Greene brings thought leadership and the mind of a strategist to our team,” said Chamber President, Wally Lee. “These are critical skills we will utilize as the Chamber continues to build a vibrant business community.”
Greene has held a number of positions on the Chamber’s board of directors, including chair of the Cornerstone Regional Economic Development Partnership in 2007. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of North Florida and has been active with United Way of Northeast Florida, where he has served as chair of the Board of Trustees and as 2006 Campaign chair. Greene holds a master’s degree in Health Administration from the Medical College of Virginia and a Master of Divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.