MARK FAULKNER

PRESIDENT & CEO, BAPTIST HEALTH CARE, PENSACOLA

With more than 4,500 employees, Baptist Health Care is the only locally led and governed not-for-profit health care organization in Northwest Florida and is one of the largest non-governmental employers in the region. It includes three hospitals, four medical parks, the Andrews Institute for Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine and a network of primary care and specialty physicians. In 2023, it opened its new $650-million Baptist Hospital campus in Pensacola. “It is the region’s newest, most technologically advanced health care campus that will serve our community for generations,” says Faulkner, who has served as CEO since 2012.

EDUCATION: University of Alabama (BS, MS)

FIRST JOB: Cutting grass for numerous households throughout my hometown of Milton. … My first “real job” was bagging groceries at our local Piggly Wiggly in Milton.

MENTEE IMPACT: One mentee is the daughter of immigrants who lacked material possessions and an understanding of navigating a pathway to the American Dream. She started out as an analyst. She is now a successful executive at a $30-billion company.

PASSION PROJECT: The purchase and restoration of a 1969 International Scout, perhaps the original off-road SUV.