HCA Florida North Florida Hospital Appointed New COO
Stephanie Tijerina has stepped into the role to oversee operations and strategic growth for the Gainesville facility.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in People
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HCA Florida North Florida Hospital has appointed Stephanie Tijerina as its new chief operating officer. Tijerina brings over 19 years of healthcare leadership experience to her new position in Gainesville.
Why it matters
This executive appointment positions a seasoned leader to guide the hospital's day-to-day operations and future strategic initiatives. Her arrival marks a new chapter for the facility as it focuses on physician alignment and workforce engagement.
Stephanie Tijerina brings 19 years of professional health care leadership experience to the Gainesville hospital. She previously managed operations at HCA Florida Northside Hospital, which operates as a 288-bed facility.
The players
Stephanie Tijerina
She is the newly appointed chief operating officer of HCA Florida North Florida Hospital with a background in the United States Navy Reserve.
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital
This is a healthcare facility based in Gainesville that serves the North Central Florida region.
The details
Tijerina will oversee hospital operations, including strategic growth, quality standards, and financial performance. She will collaborate with the local leadership team to drive physician alignment and support daily operational functions.
Timeline
Tijerina began serving in the United States Navy Reserve in 2012.
She served as interim CEO at Northside Hospital from May through July 2026.
Tijerina officially began her position as COO on October 5, 2026.
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital announced the appointment on October 7, 2026.
Market Landscape
This appointment reflects the ongoing trend of large health systems rotating veteran leadership to manage regional operations and hospital modernization. It mirrors broader executive consolidation patterns seen throughout the healthcare sector as organizations focus on internal stability.
Patients and staff can expect a focus on hospital operational efficiency and service quality under the new leadership. These internal changes aim to support long-term growth and physician alignment at the facility.
The takeaway
Tijerina enters her new role with a combination of civilian healthcare administration and military experience. This diverse background is expected to bolster the hospital's operational stability in the North Central Florida region.
Further reading
For more on personnel changes in the medical sector, visit the Gainesville People section.
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