Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO takes new post

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Andy Guz has been promoted to CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital, it was announced Tuesday by the Manatee Health Board of Governors.

Guz, who has been in his current role since 2016, begins his new role Sept, 15.

Under Guz, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center was given a Top Hospital Award for outstanding quality and safety by Leapfrog in 2021. The hospital received a CMS Five Star Rating, in 2021.

According to a press release, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center was the first hospital in Manatee County to receive the Five Star Rating.

Guz has been seeing Lakewood Ranch Medical Center through the groundbreaking and construction of a $120 million patient bed tower expansion project which is pointed toward a 2026 completion. The expansion will double the current number of patient beds.

Other expansions of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center services were the ER at Fruitville, the $3 million Women's Center renovation, adding a second cardiac catheterization lab and holding bays, and adding surgical suites and robotic technology.

“We are grateful for the nearly eight years that Andy has served this hospital,” said Robert Hillstrom, chair of the board of governors, in a release. “It has been a privilege working with such a dedicated, hardworking and visionary hospital executive. His departure is bittersweet as he has accomplished so much at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, I wish him continued success in his new role at Manatee Memorial Hospital | Manatee Health.”

Also in the release, Manatee Memorial Hospital’s Board of Governors Chairman, Hugh Miller, added, “On behalf of the board of governors, it is with great enthusiasm that we welcome our new CEO, Andy Guz. As we mark 71 years of dedicated service to our community, we are excited about the future of healthcare and the new leadership that will guide us forward. The energy and vision brought by Andy will be crucial in expanding the Manatee Health network and continuing the positive impact we have on the lives we serve every day."

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center has named COO Philip Reber as interim chief executive officer. “Our Board of Governors is highly confident that Philip has the qualifications and dedication to ensure LWRMC’s continued success until a permanent successor is named. We have an amazing team of hospital leaders, physicians and staff who will continue in their mission of providing exceptional care,” Hillstrom said in the release.