Sarasota Memorial Administrators
David Verinder, President & CEO, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
David Verinder has served as president and CEO of Sarasota Memorial Health Care System since 2014. The health system provides the region’s greatest breadth and depth of care and has more than 1.7 million patient visits a year.
Sarasota Memorial has been recognized repeatedly as one of the nation’s best health systems, with superior patient outcomes and a comprehensive continuum of care. With more than 10,000 staff, it is Sarasota County’s largest employer.
Throughout his tenure, David has overseen the successful launch of new medical services and facilities to improve the community's access to high-quality care. In 2021, David led the most significant expansion in the health system’s nearly century of service, with the opening of a new hospital in Venice and the completion of a state-of-the-art Oncology Tower on the Sarasota campus as part of the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute.
David also was responsible for the opening of Sarasota County’s only Trauma Center, an advanced Rehabilitation Pavilion, and most recently, the Cornell Behavioral Health Pavilion, which provides inpatient and outpatient mental health services to patients of all ages. He is currently overseeing the construction of the Milman-Kovar Cancer Pavilion and the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute on the Sarasota campus, and the development of new medical campuses in south Sarasota County. He also established physician residency and fellowship training programs in partnership with Florida State University to help attract physicians to the community.
David first joined Sarasota Memorial in 2006 as chief financial officer, and later served as chief operating officer before being named CEO. Previously, he served in senior leadership at Scott & White Memorial Hospital & Clinic in Temple, Texas. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Louisiana State University and his MBA from Auburn University.
Florida Trend magazine has included David on its list of Florida's 500 most influential business leaders for the past several years. He has served in community leadership roles and on numerous boards, including as past chairman of the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida.
Jeff Limbocker, Chief Operating & Financial Officer
Jeff Limbocker joined Sarasota Memorial as the health system’s chief financial officer in 2022. His role soon expanded to include day-to-day operational responsibilities for several SMH functions and departments, and he assumed oversight of the health system's daily operations in May, 2024.
An executive with 25 years of health care leadership, Jeff previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer for the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, a not-for-profit, multi-hospital system in Baton Rouge, LA. Before that, he was regional CFO for the health system's Baton Rouge market and Lady of the Lake Medical Center. Jeff’s expertise and experience encompass financial management of safety-net programs for the uninsured and medically underserved, developing and testing innovations in research and graduate medical education, forming joint ventures and public partnerships, and overseeing myriad fiscal responsibilities involved in managing revenue cycle, supply chains, insurance contracts and other day-to-day functions of a mission-based, multi-hospital system. Jeff earned a bachelor of science degree from Louisiana State University, where he later completed a master’s degree in Business Administration. He is a fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association.
James Fiorica, MD, Chief Medical Officer
James Fiorica, MD, was named chief medical officer in September 2017. He serves as the liaison between hospital administration and the 900-plus members of Sarasota Memorial's medical staff and oversees strategies to improve quality, population health and patient safety. Previously, Dr. Fiorica served as Sarasota Memorial's associate chief medical officer. In 2014-15, he was chosen as the organization's chief of staff. Board-certified in gynecologic oncology and obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Fiorica is director of the hospital's Women’s Cancer Specialty Program, working with physicians throughout the region to ensure that patients have access to the most successful treatments available. He has been at the forefront of the hospital's robotic surgery program for gynecological cancer patients and led innovative research trials. Before joining Sarasota Memorial’s First Physicians Group in 2005, Dr. Fiorica was the program leader of the Gynecology Oncology Program at the Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute. Dr. Fiorica received his medical degree from Tufts University in Massachusetts and completed his residency and fellowship programs at the University of South Florida's College of Medicine.
R. David Evans, Esq., Chief Legal Officer
R. David Evans, Esq., MHA, was named the health system’s chief legal officer and general counsel in January of 2025. Previously, he had served as Sarasota Memorial’s senior vice president of Legal Affairs since 2023, advising clinical and business leaders on all aspects of health care operations, legal, regulatory and real estate matters and business transactions. Before that, he was in private practice as outside counsel to several health systems, and then served as Sarasota Memorial’s associate chief legal officer from 2016 to 2020. He later joined Hendrick Health in West Texas as system vice president and general counsel and was responsible for legal services, government relations, governance matters, risk management, compliance, contract management and patient relations at the nonprofit health system. David received his bachelor’s degree from Wake Forest University, his law degree from the University of Florida and his Master of Health Services Administration degree from the University of Michigan.
Sharon Roush, President, Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Venice Campus
Sharon Roush was named president of Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice in June 2018. Before SMH-Venice opened its doors in Fall 2021, Sharon oversaw the facility's design, construction and operations. Prior to taking the helm at SMH-Venice, she served as chief executive officer of the 138-bed South Bay Hospital in Sun City, Fl., for nearly 10 years. Before that, she served as CEO for two other hospitals in Florida: Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee and Columbia Hospital in West Palm Beach. Over the course of her career, Sharon has successfully led the development and design of a replacement hospital, implemented strategies that resulted in a hospital’s substantial turnaround and expanded multiple service lines. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn., and received her Masters of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Health Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in Birmingham, Ala.
Jack Rodman, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of First Physicians Group
In 2009, Jack Rodman, MD, was named the top medical officer of First Physicians Group, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System’s multi-specialty physician practice group. First Physicians Group includes primary and specialty care physicians and advanced practice providers practicing in 32 specialties, filling gaps in health care throughout the region. Dr. Rodman is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine and Pediatric physician who joined Sarasota Memorial in 1997. He received his medical degree from the West Virginia University School of Medicine, completed his residency at Vanderbilt University and earned a Masters of Public Health from Harvard University. He is a member of the American Association for Physician Leadership, the American College of Physicians and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Frank Morgan, Chief Operating Officer, Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Sarasota Campus
Frank Morgan was named chief operating officer of SMH-Sarasota in November of 2021. He oversees support, ancillary and diagnostic areas including Hospitality/Guest Services, Radiology, Laboratory Services, Pharmacy and Public Safety/Emergency Management. Previously, Frank served as vice president of Ambulatory Services, overseeing the operations for more than a dozen outpatient centers located throughout the region. He began his career at SMH in 2002 as an Administrative Fellow after graduating from the University of Missouri with a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration. He progressed through a series of senior leadership positions, and has been instrumental in developing and implementing the health system’s highly successful outpatient growth strategy to support health care needs throughout the region. He is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Jennifer Storch, Vice President of Ambulatory Services
Jennifer Storch was named vice president of Ambulatory Services in November of 2024. She oversees Sarasota Memorial’s extensive network of ambulatory centers, urgent care centers and freestanding emergency rooms throughout the region. She also is responsible for outpatient business development and the opening of new sites and service lines to improve the community’s access to care. Previously, she served as executive vice president of Ambulatory Services. Her career at SMH began in 2007 as an Administrative Fellow, and over the past 18 years, as she took on new leadership roles, she has been a driving force in shaping the ambulatory division and developing a flourishing network of urgent care centers. A native of Florida, Jennifer attended the University of Florida receiving a Bachelor of Science in Management and Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration. She is a Fellow of the American College of HealthCare Executives.
Pam Ramhofer, Chief Information Officer
Pam Ramhofer was named chief information officer in May 2015. She is responsible for all of the health system’s information technology initiatives, and oversees the Information Systems and Clinical and Business Systems departments as well as Physician IT Services and Telecommunications. Previously, Pam served as Sarasota Memorial’s director of Clinical and Business Systems, playing a leading role in the successful implementation and support of critical systems. In 2010, she received Sarasota Memorial’s “Leader of the Year” award, with nominations praising her as an exceptional director, communicator and team-builder. Pam worked for 12 years as an RN on the Cardiac Acute, Cardiac Sub-Acute and Intermediate Intensive Care units. She received her Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University, Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Boston University, and Associate’s in Nursing from Manatee Community College.
Jean Lucas, Chief Nursing Officer, Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Jean Lucas, PhD, MBA, APRN, FAAN, NEA-BC, was named chief nursing officer for the health system in January of 2025. Previously, she served as chief nursing officer of the SMH-Sarasota Campus since 2022, fostering a culture of patient-centered excellence, collaboration and staff engagement that has repeatedly earned national recognition. Jean also served as chief nursing officer of SMH-Venice, playing a key role in the hospital’s successful opening in 2021. Before that, she served as SMH’s associate chief nursing officer and was responsible for the development and oversight of numerous programs to enhance quality and patient safety and promote the nursing profession. Jean earned her PhD in Nursing from the University of South Florida; her MBA, Master's in Nursing and Nurse Practitioner degrees from Johns Hopkins University’ and BS in Nursing from the Pennsylvania State University. She is a past president of the Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership and the Florida Organization of Nurse Executives Foundation, and a fellow of the American Academy of Nursing.
Joseph Seaman, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer
Critical Care Pulmonologist Joseph Seaman, MD, serves as associate chief medical officer for the Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota Campus. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care Medicine and Interventional Pulmonology, Dr. Seaman joined SMH’s medical staff in 2012, served as chief of staff in 2018-2019 and has chaired the hospital’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Section. In 2020, he was a recipient of SMH’s Physician Team of the Year Award for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. A current faculty member of Florida State University’s College of Medicine, Dr. Seaman earned his medical degree from Wright State University's Boonshoft School of Medicine, completed his internship/residency at the University of Cincinnati, and completed fellowships at the National Jewish Health System in Denver and the University of Cincinnati.
Lisa Baumgardner, Chief Nursing Officer, Sarasota Memorial Hospital - Sarasota Campus
Lisa Baumgardner, DNP, APRN, CNS-BC, NEA-BC, was named chief nursing officer for the SMH-Sarasota in January 2025, and oversees the campus’ nursing departments and programs. Previously, she was the health system’s associate chief nursing officer, leading multiple patient care areas as well as Education, Clinical Practice, Research, Magnet and Nursing Quality. Lisa got her start at SMH as a cardiac staff nurse before becoming a clinical coordinator and ultimately becoming the director of Education & Clinical Practice. In her leadership roles, Lisa has been instrumental in ensuring the best patient care practices while promoting the health, wellness, resilience and professional development of our nursing team. Lisa earned her doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Florida; her graduate degree in Nursing at Andrews University, MI; and undergraduate degree in Nursing at Lenoir Rhyne University, NC. She serves on the American Organization for Nurse Leaders (AONL) education committee, and earned the FONL Nurse Leader Award for Excellence in Nursing Education in 2020. Lisa served as a nursing leader during all five of Sarasota Memorial’s Magnet nursing designations over the last 20 years.
Laurie Bennett, Vice President of Human Resources
Laurie Bennett was named vice president of Human Resources in 2021. She currently oversees the health system’s efforts to recruit and retain staff at all of its campuses, and ensure best practices in employee engagement, employee relations, compensation and benefits, and employee health and wellness. She also is responsible for Child Care and Volunteer Services. Laurie joined Sarasota Memorial’s Human Resources Division in 1994 and progressed into senior leadership. She and her team’s efforts have transformed Sarasota Memorial into Sarasota County’s largest employer with 9,000 staff. Laurie, who is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR), received her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Youngstown State University and a double master’s degree in HR Management and HR Development from Webster University.
Peter Taylor, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer
Peter Taylor was named chief strategy and business development officer in December of 2024, overseeing new business initiatives, strategic planning, marketing, communications, public relations, advertising and content development for the health system. Previously, he had served as Sarasota Memorial’s vice president of Strategy and Business Development since 2007. Before joining Sarasota Memorial, Peter served in marketing leadership roles for a number of well-known industry leaders, including General Motors and McCann-Erickson Advertising. He graduated from Rhodes University in South Africa with degrees in Economics and Psychology..