Tampa General Hospital’s John Couris Named One of Florida’s Top Business Leaders for 4th Consecutive Year

The Tampa General Hospital president and CEO is honored for excellence in strategic business innovation and positive impact on the state of Florida.

  

Tampa, FL (Nov. 1, 2024) – John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center (FHSC), which comprises multiple organizations, including Tampa General Hospital (TGH), has been recognized by Florida Trend as one of the “Florida 500” class of 2024, his fourth time receiving this recognition. The “Florida 500” list highlights Florida's most influential business leaders across many major industries, chosen for their significant contributions to the state's economy and individual communities.

“This recognition from the Florida business community is deeply meaningful because it reflects the dedication and passion of our entire team — physicians, team members and partners — pours into caring for and serving our community every single day,” said Couris. “Our collective commitment to safe and innovative care is Tampa General's greatest strength, and it's this commitment that allows us to make a real difference in the lives of the people across our state." 

Since assuming his role as president and CEO of Tampa General, Couris has transformed the academic health system and its surrounding health care landscape. Through collaborations with the wider Tampa General team and its partners, Couris has expanded the system’s footprint to include six hospitals and 150-plus care locations, one of which is Tampa General’s new freestanding behavioral health hospital, the first of only four certified behavioral health teaching hospitals recognized in Florida Statute, set to open in 2025.

 

Couris is currently leading the growth of the burgeoning Tampa Medical & Research District as part of Tampa General’s largest Master Facility Plan in its history. The District, designed to serve as an incubator for medical talent and innovation in the community, is projected to contribute an annual economic impact of $8.3 billion to the Tampa Bay community and support more than 58,000 jobs. This project aims to directly address critical gaps in regional health care services and elevate the standard of care for the community.

“John's strong, visionary leadership is transforming the health care landscape, starting with the Tampa Bay community and rippling outward across Florida,” said Drew Graham, chair of the Board of Directors at Tampa General. "His commitment to innovation has sparked remarkable growth at Tampa General, directly translating into an engaged team and enhanced patient care in turn. His forward-thinking approach and penchant for collaboration and positive disruption promise a healthier future for the entire state."

This year, Couris’ impact on Florida was realized in the form of Florida Senate President Kathleen Passidomo appointing him to the inaugural Florida Health Care Innovation Council, a statewide volunteer organization aimed at advancing health care innovation, established this year as part of the Senate’s “Live Healthy” initiative. This appointment followed Couris’ advocating at both state and federal levels to advance innovation in health care through the expansion of hospital-at-home programs.

Couris also holds board positions with influential Florida organizations, including the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Council of 100 and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida. His commitment extends beyond the state, serving on the boards of the New Hampton School and the PGA TOUR Valspar Championship. Couris recently completed his appointment as vice chair of both the Florida Council of 100’s Healthy Florida Committee and the Florida Hospital Association’s Political Advisory Committee.

This accolade follows many for Couris this year, including being recognized as one of Tampa Bay Business Journal’s “10 Most Admired CEOs,” and being included as part of Tampa Bay Business Journal’s Power 100 for the third consecutive year. Couris also accepted the South Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 “Business Leader of the Year” award this past June.

Additionally, he received the prestigious President's Fellow Medallion from the University of South Florida, one of the highest honors bestowed by the USF President. In 2023, Couris achieved the distinction of induction into the Tampa Bay Business Hall of Fame. His impact extends statewide, earning him recognition among Florida's most influential figures by publications such as Florida Trend, INFLUENCE magazine, and City & State Florida.

Florida Trend is a leading publication for business, economic and political news in the state of Florida. Details on the “Florida 500” list can be found here.