- Stephanie Tijerina was appointed chief operating officer of HCA Florida North Florida Hospital effective October 5, bringing 19 years of healthcare leadership experience.
- Tijerina has served in the U.S. Navy Reserve since 2012 and holds a master's in health services administration from the University of Kansas.
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital has appointed Stephanie Tijerina as chief operating officer, effective Monday, Oct. 5.
According to an HCA Florida North Florida Hospital release sent Wednesday, Tijerina brings more than 19 years of progressive health care leadership experience spanning hospital operations, strategic growth, quality, financial performance, physician alignment and workforce engagement. Her career includes leadership roles across acute care hospitals, physician enterprises and integrated health care systems.
“We are pleased to welcome Stephanie to Gainesville and to our leadership team,” said Gabe Bullaro, chief executive officer of HCA Florida North Florida Hospital and HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital, in the release. “Stephanie is an accomplished health care executive who brings extensive operational experience, a strong understanding of HCA Healthcare and a demonstrated commitment to supporting physicians and colleagues in delivering high-quality care. Her leadership will be an important asset as we continue to grow our services and meet the health care needs of the communities we are privileged to serve.”
Tijerina most recently served as chief operating officer of HCA Florida Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, where she provided executive leadership for operations at the 288-bed acute care hospital. She also served as the hospital’s interim chief executive officer from May through July 2026, leading the organization during a CEO transition.
Before joining HCA Florida Northside Hospital, Tijerina served as vice president of operations and assistant administrator at HCA Florida Trinity Hospital. Earlier in her HCA Healthcare career, she held leadership positions with HCA Florida Physicians Services Group and the HCA West Florida Division.
“I am honored to join this hospital community and to have the opportunity to serve alongside such a talented team of colleagues and physicians,” Tijerina said in the release. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place, supporting our teams and helping advance the services and programs that enable us to provide exceptional care to patients and families throughout North Central Florida.”
In addition to her health care leadership experience, Tijerina has served in the United States Navy Reserve since 2012. She currently serves as a commanding officer and health care administrator in planning operations, logistics and medical intelligence.
Tijerina holds a master’s degree in health services administration from the University of Kansas and a bachelor’s degree in health care management from Southern Illinois University.
As chief operating officer, Tijerina will work closely with the hospital’s leadership teams to support day-to-day operations, strategic initiatives and continued growth at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital.
HCA Florida North Florida Hospital appointed Dr. Alex Gumiroff as its chief medical officer in October 2025 and Bullaro took over as CEO in April 2025 after Eric Lawson retired.