After more than two decades, Alan Gieseman is retiring as CEO of White-Wilson Medical Center, the region’s largest independent physician group.

• Gieseman has worked with the organization’s physician owners and leaders to expand access to health care for tens of thousands of locals and visitors in a three-county region since taking the helm 21 years ago.

He has helped the group successfully navigate major changes in the health care industry and serve the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gieseman moved to the area more than 20 years ago to live at the beach. He thought he would work for a couple of years and then retire.

“I didn’t expect to be so impressed with the community and the physician leadership and culture of White-Wilson,” Gieseman said. “We have had our fair share of challenges, but I am proud that we have stayed true to the core values established more than 77 years ago and that we have been able to adapt and expand to meet the need for quality health care for more and more people.”

Gieseman says that “closing this chapter is bittersweet,” but he plans to continue supporting White-Wilson’s leadership teams and see the impact that this organization will have on the region.

While Gieseman is respected among his colleagues as a dedicated and effective leader, his recognitions include national awards such as Medical Practice Executive of the Year by the Medical Group Management Association and local awards including Member of the Year by the Greater Fort Walton Chamber of Commerce and Business Person of the Year by the Destin Chamber of Commerce.

• He has been greatly involved in serving on several community boards.

Replacing Gieseman is Dr. Kenneth Persaud, a physician and seasoned health care leader who has worked with White-Wilson on initiatives and will now serve as CEO.

“Mr. Gieseman has been a visionary leader and true community servant. He is surely going to be missed, but there is no doubt that he has helped position White-Wilson for a successful future and many decades of continued service,” said Dr. Chris Dali, president of White-Wilson Medical Center. “By passing the baton to Dr. Persaud, we will continue to stand as a physician-owned and physician-led organization committed to finding ways to improve health outcomes for our patients, find success in today’s challenging business environment and meet our area’s growing needs.”

Founded in 1946 as a local physician practice, White-Wilson Medical Center has a long history of providing award-winning health care to the region. It is currently home to more than 90 health care providers and one of Okaloosa County’s ten largest employers.