FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2025
CONTACT: [email protected]
Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Hospital Association (FHA) recognized the contributions of two remarkable hospital leaders for their dedication to advancing health care in the Sunshine State at its 2025 Annual Meeting last week. Gail Ryder, Vice President of Behavioral Health at BayCare, was named FHA’s 2025 Health Care Leader of the Year and Dr. Alfred Gitu, Chief Academic Officer of Lee Health, was recognized as FHA’s 2025 Caregiver of the Year.
FHA is the leading voice for health care in the state of Florida. Through advocacy, education and information services, FHA supports more than 260 hospitals and health care systems in their efforts to provide the highest quality care to their patients. Its annual meeting, which was held October 8-10 in Orlando, convened health care leaders, innovators and national thought leaders across Florida and the nation to discuss the present and future innovations in health care, patient care trends through the lens of the lifecycle and crucial health care issues at each stage of life.
“Hospital leaders across Florida are strong forces for innovative health care, transforming how care is delivered,” said Mary C. Mayhew, president and CEO of FHA. “Gail Ryder is a visionary leader in advancing behavioral health across Florida communities, having expanded access in primary care and through West Central Florida’s first behavioral health urgent care center. Dr. Gitu advances preventative care in family medicine and is shaping the future of medicine through his commitment to training the next generation of physicians. Both dedicated leaders reflect the very best of Florida’s hospitals and health care systems, and we are proud to honor their impact on Florida’s health care delivery system.”
The Health Care Leader of the Year Award recognizes a hospital or health system leader who makes a significant contribution to the community's health by providing leadership and guidance to the hospital or system.
FHA’s 2025 Health Care Leader of the Year: Gail Ryder, BayCare
Ms. Gail Ryder is recognized as a visionary leader and a tireless advocate for behavioral health across Florida and the nation. Under her leadership, BayCare has become the largest provider of behavioral health services in West Central Florida, setting a gold standard for accessible, innovative and compassionate care. Ms. Ryder spearheads BayCare’s Behavioral Health Integration (BHI) program, enhancing early detection and intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes. She has built strong partnerships with law enforcement, public health agencies and community organizations to promote coordinated and proactive care. Her leadership brought to life the West Central Florida region’s first-of-its-kind urgent care center, improving patient outcomes and alleviating pressure on emergency departments. Thanks to Ms. Ryder’s leadership, more than 33,000 patients of BayCare can access top-notch behavioral health services.
The Caregiver of the Year Award honors an individual who provides outstanding patient care services and exemplifies a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care.
FHA’s 2025 Caregiver of the Year: Alfred Gitu, M.D., Lee Health
Dr. Alfred Gitu, a family medicine physician, has led Lee Health’s Family Medicine Residency program since 2018 in partnership with the Florida State University College of Medicine. In September 2025, Lee Health promoted him to Chief Academic Officer, where he continues to advance excellence in patient care and medical education. Under his leadership, Lee Health is improving health outcomes and expanding access to care. Through Dr. Gitu's involvement with the Health Resources and Services Administration and the American Academy of Family Physicians, he is helping expand access to care and address workforce shortages in underserved areas. His contributions to high-quality, patient-centered care and to training the next generation of physicians are making a lasting impact on Florida’s health care delivery system.
ABOUT THE FHA
Founded in 1927, the Florida Hospital Association (FHA) is the leading voice for health care in the State of Florida. Through representation and advocacy, education, and informational services, the Florida Hospital Association supports the mission of over 200 hospitals and health care systems to provide the highest quality of care to the patients we serve. Led by President and CEO Mary Mayhew, the Florida Hospital Association is located in Tallahassee and is governed by a Board of Trustees and officers elected by the member institutions.
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