HCA Florida Healthcare has appointed Kenneth ‘KC’ Donahey as chief executive officer of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, effective Feb. 1, bringing leadership experience from building a hospital from the ground up to a facility marking over 50 years of community service.

• “I’m inspired by people who are passionate about taking care of people,” Donahey said. “We have the privilege of taking care of and being there for our patients during some of the most difficult times in their lives.” 

Donahey most recently served as the inaugural CEO of Oviedo Medical Center near Orlando, where he oversaw the hospital’s construction from an empty lot in 2015. His role began with extensive community engagement, including establishing partnerships with local business leaders, healthcare providers and government officials.

“It was a lot of homework initially on just what that community needed,” Donahey said. “They had been asking for a hospital for a long time. A lot of interviews, dinners with doctors, community members, the mayor – and establishing the first hospital board was important.”

• Under his leadership, Oviedo Medical Center developed six robotic surgery programs, achieved Leapfrog A ratings and a 4-star CMS rating. The facility recently completed an $80 million expansion doubling operating room capacity and adding new emergency services.

The return to Northwest Florida fulfills a long-held goal for Donahey, who previously served as chief operating officer at HCA Florida West Hospital in Pensacola. “Ever since my family came to Pensacola, the Panhandle has been like the perfect mix of Southern hospitality but also the better weather and beautiful beaches,” Donahey said.

At Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, Donahey plans to focus on expanding graduate medical education programs to address physician workforce challenges. The hospital currently offers internal medicine residencies and partners with local educational institutions.

“Healthcare’s biggest issues include physician recruitment,” Donahey said. “Not as many people are going into these careers, so HCA has focused on teaching and developing our own staff.”

• The hospital maintains partnerships with Northwest Florida State College’s nursing program and operates a health academy with Okaloosa County School District to build a pipeline of future healthcare workers.

Additionally, the hospital serves a unique community with five military bases within 60 miles, earning recognition for its commitment to service members and their families. HCA has been ranked the number one employer for veterans for four consecutive years and offers programs including military spouse, currently serving, and veteran badges to support transitioning military families.

The hospital has expanded its regional impact through trauma services, receiving designation as an Alabama level 1, and Florida level 2 trauma center serving patients from across Northwest Florida and Alabama. Donahey emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards while serving as the primary healthcare provider in the area.

For his first 30-60 days, Donahey plans to focus on meeting with medical staff, reviewing quality metrics and engaging with community leaders to understand local healthcare needs and opportunities for growth.

“My job as an administrator is to empower our folks,” Donahey said. “The highest performing hospitals are the ones where we are hiring and partnering with good people.”