Steve Mason, BayCare Health System CEO and President, Announces Retirement In 2016; COO Tommy Inzina Named Successor

CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- BayCare Health System Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and President Steve Mason, 66, announced today that he will retire in mid-2016. BayCare's Board of Trustees named Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tommy Inzina, 56, as Mason's successor after a methodical planning process.

On January 1, 2015, Inzina will assume the additional role of BayCare president, while Mason retains responsibility for the overall organization as CEO. Mason will continue to work closely with Inzina to effect a graceful transition after a period of planning, mentorship and gradual transfer of additional leadership responsibilities. 

"BayCare is living its commitment to long-term succession planning at the highest level. We are pleased that we're able to do so in a very deliberate manner," said Board Chair William Tapp. "Thanks in large part to Steve Mason's leadership and Tommy Inzina's contributions, BayCare is exceptionally well-prepared for the days ahead when health care providers will be reimbursed based on their effectiveness in keeping a population healthy, rather than how many times they provide service."

Inzina a Perfect Fit
"Tommy Inzina is uniquely qualified to succeed me in leading the area's largest health system," Mason said. "Since 1993, he has demonstrated financial acumen and developed a deep understanding of our sophisticated health system as COO, chief financial officer (CFO) and chief administrative officer (CAO). During the decade we've worked together, I've come to know Tommy as a visionary leader who can deliver results in a changing health care environment while keeping the focus on our mission-driven culture."     

Inzina is a certified public accountant and seasoned executive with more than 30 years of experience that includes ten years at a top global accounting firm. Under his leadership, BayCare achieved several milestones.

• In 2011, BayCare was one of the few health systems in the country to receive an upgraded credit rating, reflecting the organization's strong, consistent financial planning. Despite the tough economy, BayCare continued to grow market share and maintain positive financial performance.
• In 2009, Inzina assumed responsibility of BayCare's Strategic Planning, Human Resources and Information Systems divisions, in addition to his CFO duties, expanding his impact within the organization. He led the development of BayCare's current strategic plan which positions the system to be successful into the future. He also partnered with Bruce Flareau, M.D., BayCare's executive vice president of Physician Affairs, to study the impact of the Affordable Care Act on BayCare and develop BayCare Physician Partners, a clinically integrated network with 1,300 physician members.
• Since becoming COO in early 2013, Inzina has led a number of strategic initiatives including expanded Urgent Care services and the centralization of the BayCare's real estate, construction and facilities functions.

Inzina graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Tampa. He is a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.

The Stage Set for Long-Term Success
Mason will retire after 12 years of success leading BayCare. He created an organizational structure that can embrace the changes resulting from the Affordable Care Act. He also led the system through a seven-year transition from paper records to electronic medical records in all hospitals. Under his leadership, primary care services expanded, BayCare Physician Partners was developed and Winter Haven Hospital was acquired. When he retires in 2016, Mason will leave behind a system that is well positioned for the future with an array of services that complement its hospitals.

About BayCare Health System
BayCare Health System is a leading community-based health system in the Tampa Bay area. Composed of a network of 12 not-for-profit hospitals, outpatient facilities and services such as imaging, lab, behavioral health and home health care, BayCare provides expert medical care throughout a patient's lifetime. With more than 280 access points conveniently located throughout Tampa Bay, BayCare connects patients to a complete range of preventive, diagnostic and treatment services for any health care need. 

BayCare's family of hospitals are: Mease Countryside, Mease Dunedin, Morton Plant, Morton Plant North Bay, St. Anthony's, St. Joseph's, St. Joseph's Children's, St. Joseph's Hospital-North, St. Joseph's Hospital-South (opening in January 2015), St. Joseph's Women's, South Florida Baptist, and Winter Haven. For more information, visit BayCare on the Web at www.BayCare.org.

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SOURCE BayCare Health System