AdventHealth has appointed Brad Hillmon as chief executive officer of AdventHealth Apopka and Michael Mewhirter as chief executive officer of AdventHealth East Orlando. These leadership changes come as Florida continues to experience significant population growth, with AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division working to address the needs of Orange County communities.
Hillmon brings over ten years of experience within AdventHealth, most recently serving as chief operating officer for the Orlando campus. Kari Vargas, CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division – North Market, said, “Brad’s extensive leadership experience, deep connection to the Apopka community and commitment to whole-person care make him the right leader for AdventHealth Apopka. His ability to foster strong teams and focus on operational excellence will allow us to continue to grow services and meet the health care needs of our community.”
Hillmon began his career at AdventHealth in business development and later held roles including vice president and COO for ambulatory services in Central Florida before moving into hospital operations. Before joining the health system, he worked nearly 15 years in building materials manufacturing and distribution. “Having lived in the Apopka community my entire life, it’s a true privilege to lead this incredible hospital team. I’m excited about the opportunity to grow with our community, build on AdventHealth Apopka’s reputation for compassionate, high-quality care and guide our campus toward becoming the faith-based, consumer-focused hospital our mission calls us to be,” Hillmon stated.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and an MBA from Rollins College. Hillmon is active on several boards, including Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando and Osceola.
Michael Mewhirter steps into his new role overseeing operations at AdventHealth East Orlando—including its Waterford Lakes ER and Lake Nona ER locations—after serving as vice president and COO at AdventHealth Celebration. Doug Harcombe, CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division – South Market, said, “Michael’s commitment to high-quality care and ability to build and lead strong teams allows us to continue to grow our services, meet our consumers’ needs and be known for whole-person care across our east Orange County communities.”
Mewhirter previously led construction projects at Celebration campus and held various executive positions during his nine years at Kettering Health in Ohio. He started his career in finance roles at different AdventHealth facilities before being named CFO at AdventHealth North Pinellas. “While I will miss the team at AdventHealth Celebration tremendously, I am humbled to step into this new role and lead AdventHealth East Orlando, as we build upon the strong foundation that exists,” he said. “I look forward to connecting with our team members, providers and community partners to enhance care, expand access and deliver wholeness to the communities we’re privileged to be a part of.”
Mewhirter holds degrees from Webster University (MBA) and Union Adventist University (BBA). He participates in leadership programs such as Advisory Board Fellowship and serves with organizations like the American Heart Association.
AdventHealth Orlando itself has served central Florida since 1908 as a training hospital with specialized wards such as pediatrics; Terry Shaw currently serves as its president.
https://www.adventhealth.com/hospital/adventhealth-orlando
