April 22, 2024
Terry Forde, MBA
(Next Health First President & CEO)
For over 80 years, Health First has stood as a pillar of hope and health in Brevard County. It is with great pride I announce the appointment of Terry Forde, MBA, as our next President & CEO.
Last summer, the Health First Board of Trustees began the process to find the candidate who embodies our mission – to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve. Out of more than 30 distinguished candidates, Terry Forde stood out as a beacon of experienced leadership and compassionate commitment.
Why Terry Forde?
Terry’s career is marked by his empathetic leadership style and a steadfast dedication to patient-centered, high-quality care. His proven track record aligns seamlessly with Health First’s strategic goals and our community values in Brevard County:
- Experienced Leader: Offers over 30 years of insight from guiding teams to excellence.
- Successful History: Brings vision from earning the prestigious Malcom Baldridge Category Best Practice Recognition for Leadership, spearheading a hospital relocation, achieving major operational improvements, and creating a clinically integrated network to better provide population health services. He also established a shared vision with Howard University to acquire Howard University Hospital and establish a broadened academic healthcare academic system to increase the number of physicians trained.
- Cultural Fit: Affirms our deep-rooted commitment to building enduring relationships and fostering supportive, innovative workplace culture. Terry’s Background. Terry comes to Health First after leading for more than a decade at Adventist HealthCare, which is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Founded in 1907, Adventist HealthCare (AHC) provides a wide range of comprehensive healthcare services for the greater Washington, D.C. area. With over 10,000 team members, AHC is comprised of six hospitals including three community hospitals, one managed academic medical center, and two specialty hospitals. AHC also offers extensive outpatient services including Home Health, Behavioral Health programs including The Lourie Center School, Imaging, Physician Practices, Cancer Centers, and a large clinically integrated network with more than 2,000 physicians.
Looking Ahead.
Terry will officially begin his journey with us on August 5, 2024. Please join me in welcoming him to the Space Coast. Together, under Terry’s leadership, we will continue to be stronger, better, together.
