No 'average days' in future for John C. Johnson in twin role as CEO of Mercy Hospital and Broward's Holy Cross
A decade into his tenure as president and chief executive officer of Holy Cross Hospital in Broward County, John C. Johnson is now doing double duty, serving in the same post at Mercy Hospital in Coconut Grove. Both institutions are part of Catholic Health East, which operates 36 hospitals along the Eastern Seaboard.
A 43-year veteran of hospital management, Mr. Johnson landed his first CEO post in 1983. He says he takes on his position at Mercy ready to do "whatever it takes" to keep the hospital running smoothly.
Mr. Johnson replaced John Matuska, who announced early retirement in July. Soon after Mr. Johnson stepped in late this summer, he faced the collapse of a $96 million land deal that Mr. Matuska said he saw as a way to help fund $300 million in renovations over 15 years. But Mr. Johnson says he sees the parcel as a "strategic long-term asset" and has no intention of finding another buyer now. Instead, he aims to seek donations to fund new hospital suites.
Facility improvements are important, he says, but a hospital "is a gigantic engine for a very small car," and he aims to focus on what makes the engine run: staff, programs and equipment. Mr. Johnson may be just the man to steer the "car"— he also rides a motorcycle. He was interviewed in his Mercy Hospital office by Miami Today staff writer Risa Polansky.
This is an excerpt from the weekly profile article published in Miami Today. To read the entire article in full, order this issue or subscribe to the print edition of Miami Today. |
Top 
Front
Page