Terry Forde, CEO of Adventist HealthCare, will leave to lead Health First in Florida

Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, headquartered in Montgomery County, Maryland, will leave his position on August 2, 2024, to become president and CEO of Health First, headquartered in Brevard County, Florida.

Founded in 1907, Adventist HealthCare is a faith-based, not-for-profit comprehensive health care system consisting of six owned and operated hospitals and more than 50 facilities providing a full continuum of high-quality care in the greater Washington, DC area. region. Under Terry’s leadership over the past 13 years, Adventist HealthCare has achieved national recognition for its leadership practices, been awarded numerous quality and safety awards, honored as a Trustworthy Organization and repeatedly recognized as a Top Workplace.

Emmanuel Asiedu, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Adventist HealthCare, said: “Terry has been a tireless advocate for championing our mission, driving improvements and expanding our services to help every person, every time, physically, mentally and provide spiritual healing. We are grateful for his many accomplishments and for the leadership system he established that will continue to guide our delivery of high-quality, compassionate care to our community. We wish Terry and Health First the very best in their efforts to meet the health needs of community members in Florida.”

Health First was founded in 1995 when Cape Canaveral Hospital, Holmes Regional Medical Center and Palm Bay Hospital collaborated to create a fully integrated delivery network and nonprofit healthcare system. Now with more than 10,000 employees, Health First Central Florida offers four hospitals, medical groups, health plans and support services.

“In Terry, we have found an experienced and likable leader who shares our passion for patient safety, is committed to providing high reliability, has a proven history of success and tenacity in building a strong, sustainable culture,” said Kent Smith, Health First Board or The chair of the trustees. “The Space Coast welcomes Terry and looks forward to his guidance as we continue Health First’s legacy of providing exceptional quality and compassionate care.”

“It has been an honor to work with Adventist HealthCare’s dedicated leaders and team members, especially during a pandemic and significant changes in the healthcare industry,” said Terry Forde. “I am so pleased to be part of an organization committed to being the best choice for both patients and team members and I look forward to joining Health First to promote vibrant wellness in Florida. ”

Adventist health care, based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, is one of the longest-operating health care systems in the Washington, DC region, and one of the largest employers in Maryland. It includes Shady Grove Medical Center, White Oak Medical Center, Fort Washington Medical Center, Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation, Home Care Services, Adventist Medical Group and Imaging. Our mission is to extend God’s care through physical, mental and spiritual healing.