BayCare CEO to retire at the end of the year

BayCare CEO and president Tommy Inzina was there when the nonprofit hospital system first formed in 1997. Now he’ll retire at the end of 2022 after 25 years with what has grown into a health care giant in West Central Florida.

Inzina, 63, made the announcement Tuesday to BayCare’s more than 27,700 employees, according to a company statement. He also thanked them for working through the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each infection wave has filled hospital beds and strained staff and resources for hospitals across Florida and the nation.

“Being the CEO of BayCare has been — and will continue to be — one of the most satisfying and rewarding experiences of my life… I am incredibly proud to be part of this organization and even more proud of all of you and the impact you make on our community,” Inzina said in a statement.

The hospital system’s Board of Trustees says it will conduct a national search to find the next CEO and expects to name a successor later in the year.

“BayCare has a long tradition of planning for smooth transitions so there is no interruption in our mission to serve the community’s health,” said chairman Rick Colón in a statement. “Tommy will continue his strong leadership of BayCare to give us the time to find the right person to take the helm of this exceptional, essential organization.”

Inzina worked for St. Joseph’s Hospital when BayCare first formed. He became its first chief financial officer, then went on to serve as chief administrator officer and chief operating officer. He was appointed as the system’s third CEO on May 1, 2016.

BayCare has 15 hospitals located across Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties and is building a 16th, BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, that is expected to open next year. Construction has also begun on a Plant City facility that will replace South Florida Baptist Hospital.