Promotion of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center’s Chief Executive Officer Announced
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center (LWRMC) Board of Governors and Manatee Memorial Hospital | Manatee Health Board of Governors are pleased to announce the promotion of Andy Guz, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, to Chief Executive Officer at Manatee Memorial Hospital | Manatee Health, effective September 15, 2024.
Guz has served as CEO at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center since 2016, where under his leadership the hospital has received numerous national quality, safety and patient satisfaction awards and accreditations. Most notably, the hospital was awarded Top Hospital Award for Outstanding Quality and Safety by Leapfrog in 2021 and a CMS Five Star Rating – the first hospital in Manatee County to receive this rating – also in 2021.
Recently, Guz announced the groundbreaking of a $120 million patient bed tower expansion project, which when completed in early 2026 will double the current number of patient beds. Other growth strategies under Guz’ tenure include building the hospital’s first freestanding emergency department, ER at Fruitville; completing a $3 million Women’s Center renovation; adding a second cardiac catheterization lab and holding bays; and adding surgical suites and robotic technology.
“We are grateful for the nearly eight years that Andy has served this hospital,” says Robert Hillstrom, MD, Chair of the Board of Governors. “It has been a privilege working with such a dedicated, hardworking and visionary hospital executive. His departure is bittersweet as he has accomplished so much at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. I wish him continued success in his new role at Manatee Memorial Hospital | Manatee Health.”
Manatee Memorial Hospital’s Board of Governors Chairman, Hugh Miller, adds, “On behalf of the Board of Governors, it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome our new CEO, Andy Guz. As we mark 71 years of dedicated service to our community, we are excited about the future of healthcare and the new leadership that will guide us forward. The energy and vision brought by Andy will be crucial in expanding the Manatee Health network and continuing the positive impact we have on the lives we serve every day. Here’s to a new chapter of growth and excellence in our longstanding commitment to quality healthcare in Manatee County and beyond.”
Guz has been an active part of the community, serving on boards for the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee County and others. He was selected as a 40 Under 40 honoree of both Tampa Bay Business Journal and Business Observer.
Prior to joining LWRMC, Guz served in executive roles at several hospitals across the United States. He received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and his Master of Health Administration from Cornell University in New York.
LWRMC Board of Governors shared it has named Lakewood Ranch Medical Center Chief Operating Officer (COO) Philip Reber as Interim Chief Executive Officer. “Our Board of Governors is highly confident that Philip has the qualifications and dedication to ensure LWRMC’s continued success until a permanent successor is named. We have an amazing team of hospital leaders, physicians and staff who will continue in their mission of providing exceptional care,” concludes Dr. Hillstrom.