News Summary
Florida Health Care Plans has appointed Tracy Williams as interim CEO following the sudden medical leave of Steven Blumberg. This marks the third CEO transition for the organization in 2024, a stark change from its long-term leadership stability. Williams, who has been part of the GuideWell team, brings extensive experience from her previous roles in healthcare management and is expected to guide FHCP through this transitional phase.
Florida – Florida Health Care Plans (FHCP) has officially appointed Tracy Williams as its interim CEO following the unexpected medical leave of Steven Blumberg. This leadership change marks a significant transition for FHCP, which has experienced three different CEOs within the year 2024 alone, a stark contrast to the previous three-decade stability during which the organization had maintained only three CEOs.
Steven Blumberg became CEO of FHCP in September 2024, bringing a wealth of experience from his tenure with GuideWell, the parent company of FHCP. His sudden leave has necessitated the transition to Williams, who has been with GuideWell for four years and has held various positions within the healthcare sector. Before assuming the role of interim CEO, Williams was the senior director of provider assets at GuideWell since June 2020. She previously served as market president for Sanitas Medical Centers in Florida, where she contributed significantly to healthcare services in the region.
Background of the Leadership Changes
This recent shift in leadership follows the departure of Dr. Stephen Keen, who was the CEO prior to Blumberg. Keen left the organization to pursue other career opportunities, further contributing to the instability in the upper management of the organization this year.
Tracy Williams’ Qualifications
Tracy Williams brings extensive experience to her interim role. She was the president of the Diagnostic Clinic Medical Group, which serves over 60,000 patients in Pinellas and Polk counties, showcasing her robust background in patient care and healthcare management. Williams began her career as a physical therapist in Jacksonville and also has experience working at Ascension St. Vincent’s hospitals.
Academically, Williams holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of North Florida, specializing in health science, sports medicine, athletic training, and health administration. Her diverse background in healthcare, along with her leadership experience, positions her as a suitable candidate to guide FHCP during this transitional time.
About Florida Health Care Plans
Florida Health Care Plans is the nation’s second-oldest continuously operating Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), having been established on July 1, 1974. Operating as a not-for-profit entity, FHCP currently serves an estimated 73,000 members primarily in Volusia County, with additional members in Flagler, Brevard, St. Johns, and Seminole counties. The organization has a workforce of over 1,500 employees, including 150 primary care physicians, and it operates 32 clinical locations, which include 14 comprehensive care centers.
FHCP was founded by Dr. Edwin Davis and attorney William Moore and has grown to become the largest HMO in the Volusia-Flagler area. The organization plays a critical role in providing health care services, aiming to improve patient care, reduce costs, and emphasize preventive care—all principles established under the HMO Act.
GuideWell, which was formed in 2014, serves as the parent company for FHCP and Florida Blue. Together, they provide health services to over 27 million healthcare consumers across the U.S. and its territories, reinforcing the significance of FHCP within the broader healthcare landscape.
As Williams takes on her new responsibilities as interim CEO, stakeholders and members of FHCP will be paying close attention to her leadership style and strategic decisions as the organization navigates this period of change at the top.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- News Journal: Interim CEO Takes Reins at Florida Health Care Plans
- Wikipedia: Florida Health Care Plans
- South Florida Hospital News: CEO of Florida Blue Stepping Down
- Google Search: Florida Health Care Plans
- South Florida Hospital News: Nicklaus Children’s Health System Named to Newsweek’s List
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Health Maintenance Organization
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
