Mary C. Mayhew

President & CEO, Florida Hospital Association, Tallahassee

The FHA supports more than 200 hospitals and health care systems through representation, advocacy and education and strives to build consensus with other health care groups while securing needed resources to help FHA members continue to provide high-quality, affordable care to their communities. During 2024, the organization worked closely with state legislative leaders to successfully enact passage of the “LiveHealthy” legislation, a sweeping health care and workforce package.

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would promote and invest in early childhood development, high-quality education and supporting timely access to comprehensive physical and mental health services.

MENTOR: Although my father died when I was only 19, he instilled a philosophy and core values that have guided me throughout my life. He led by example with his commitment to community engagement and he respected the value of robust and diverse debate.

READING: The Amen Effect, by Rabbi Sharon Brous

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: I am inspired every day by caregivers and caseworkers who persevere in positivity and compassionately care for their fellow Floridians. They heal wounds, hold hands, support tranquility, build social connections, provide love, bathe and feed and save, change, transform, and improve lives.

MOTIVATIONAL MANTRA: Be present and compassionate, actively listen, seek a diversity of opinions, lead with principles and conviction and be the one to ask 'why?'