Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Crestview, FL

About the Organization

At North Okaloosa Medical Center, we believe in providing convenient care in a comfortable setting. With the help of more than 600 employees, 150 physicians on staff, and over $12 million in recent capital upgrades and renovations, we have created a caring environment where clinical experience and advanced technology blend seamlessly with sincerity and compassion. We pride ourselves on our unique dedication to the community hospital experience, balancing cutting-edge technology with the human interaction crucial to providing quality care. Our goal is to anticipate the needs and exceed the expectations of patients and their families.

North Okaloosa Medical Center stands ready to meet the healthcare needs of the region. In 2010, we began a $22 million expansion project, enlarging our flagship facility to a 150-bed hospital. Our healthcare system also includes an outpatient care center, an ambulatory surgery center, and primary care clinics in Crestview.

About the Role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operational management and strategic execution of non-nursing departments within the hospital. This role oversees key business functions including patient throughput, service line development, resource utilization, operational efficiency, and revenue growth. The COO collaborates with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and other senior leaders to ensure financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and exceptional patient care outcomes.

This position is part of the CEO Development Program and is designed to develop future executive leaders, with the expectation of preparing for a potential promotion to a Chief Executive Officer role at another location. Relocation within an acceptable timeframe for promotion/transfer will be required.

Responsibilities

• Provides operational oversight of assigned non-nursing departments, ensuring high-quality service delivery, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborates with the CEO and CFO to develop, monitor, and manage strategic business plans and financial goals, including revenue growth and expense control.
• Drives process improvement initiatives that enhance patient throughput, resource utilization, and operational outcomes.
• Partners with the CEO to identify opportunities for business development, service line expansion, and physician recruitment aligned with community needs.
• Supports medical staff relationships by addressing operational concerns, facilitating communication, and strengthening physician engagement.
• Reviews department-level performance metrics and collaborates with managers on corrective action plans and ongoing improvement.
• Coaches and mentors department leaders to build leadership capacity, identify development opportunities, and share operational best practices.
• Contributes to budgeting and capital planning, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic priorities.
• Ensures operations comply with internal policies, external regulations, and accreditation standards.
• Participates in executive leadership meetings, strategic planning activities, and board presentations as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Administration (MHA), or related field preferred.
• 7–9 years of progressive healthcare leadership experience, including 3–5 years in operational or executive-level management roles with responsibility for multiple departments or service lines required.
• Prior experience overseeing multiple hospital departments or service lines preferred.

Skills

• Strong executive leadership and strategic planning skills, with the ability to drive operational performance and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of hospital operations, including finance, facilities, ancillary services, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional business acumen, including the ability to interpret financial statements, drive cost control strategies, and support revenue growth.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build credibility with physicians, department leaders, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, coach, and retain high-performing teams, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.