David Verinder

President & CEO, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, Sarasota

Sarasota Memorial Health Care System was founded in 1925 and is one of Florida’s highest-rated health systems. SMH is a nonprofit and community-owned, and specializes in cardiac, cancer, orthopedic, neurology and rehabilitation care. Verinder joined SMH in 2006 and became CEO in 2014. Verinder has overseen SMH’s transformation to a teaching hospital and trauma center with more than $1 billion in new facilities and services. SMH is Sarasota County’s largest employer, with more than 10,000 employees, a medical staff of more than 2,500 providers and 850 volunteers.

EDUCATION: Louisiana State University (BS), Auburn University (MBA)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I support the administration’s investment in initiatives that break down barriers and bring more physicians and essential clinicians to our state and related programs that expand access to health care.

MENTOR: I worked for Jesse Armentor, a CPA in Baton Rouge, while going to school. He took a chance on me and helped set a lot of foundations for my growth and success. Jesse taught me trust, accountability, and the art of relationships.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Listen and learn before you act. Whether in life or business, the more informed you are, the better decisions you make.