CHARTING A NEW COURSE

CHARTING A NEW COURSE
GINA MELBY, CEO OF THE NEW ALAN B. MILLER MEDICAL CENTER
Gina Melby doesn’t just lead. She builds. She builds systems that work, teams that thrive, and cultures that endure. Throughout her career, she has reshaped what healthcare leadership looks like in Palm Beach County, consistently pushing to see beyond the present to the possible. “I like fast-paced challenges. I am very competitive and motivated by the challenge and the opportunity to create something meaningful.”
With a proven track record of turning ideas into outcomes, Gina will lead the Alan B. Miller Medical Center as CEO when it opens in April of 2026. The new hospital is in Palm Beach Garden’s Alton neighborhood will feature a 160- bed, seven-story facility totaling 365,000 square feet, an 80,000-square-foot, four-story medical office building, and a dedicated helistop to support rapid- response care. Gina will oversee a team of more than eight hundred people.” My leadership style is centered on building strong relationships, fostering collaboration, promoting inclusiveness, and leading by example. I believe in creating a culture rooted in compassion and accountability. Right now, I’m focused on building a strong leadership team of people who share my values, put patients first, and truly support and recognize our employees. Motivated, engaged employees are the foundation of a positive culture. When people feel valued, nurtured, and seen, they do their best work, and that energy directly impacts the care we provide.”
Leading a major medical center requires operational excellence and strategic awareness of the broader economic and political environment, which is what initially drew her attention to the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “The opportunity to collaborate with other business leaders and provide insights on healthcare can significantly benefit our community. Additionally, staying informed about the political landscape at both the county and state levels is crucial for making informed decisions.” She says her membership has been beneficial. “Membership in the Council allows me to showcase our commitment to healthcare within the community and gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs of local businesses. This knowledge enables our organization to better address their healthcare requirements and contribute to the overall well-being of the community.”
Her involvement in the Council gives her a meaningful role in addressing the pressing issues that affect our region, particularly as she prepares to recruit and hire hundreds of employees. “Workforce housing is a significant problem, and attracting talent who can afford to live in Palm Beach County is essential. Competitive pay is important, but it’s just one part of the equation. We have a responsibility to help our employees find attainable housing options within the communities they serve. Mobility and infrastructure are also challenges that directly impact access to jobs, services, and opportunity.”
However, she’s confident that by working together, Palm Beach County will continue to grow as a destination of choice over the next decade. “As we continue to experience population growth, it is essential to address the business community’s needs, particularly in housing, transportation, education, and healthcare. My vision includes creating a supportive environment where businesses can thrive and residents enjoy a high quality of life.”
Before taking on her current role, Gina served nineteen years as CEO of HCA Florida JFK Hospital in Atlantis, Florida, and spent seven years as CEO of HCA Florida Northwest Hospital in Margate, Florida. Prior to that, she held the position of COO at HCA Florida Northwest Hospital, where she helped guide the facility through critical growth and transformation. Over more than two decades, her leadership has been instrumental to the success of each organization she’s led. Gina holds a Master’s in Executive Medical Management from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Miami. Yet even with all she’s achieved, she says, “If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell her to be a better listener before making judgments or immediate changes. It is important to truly understand the culture and influence before implementing changes. Additionally, maintaining a better work-life balance is crucial for long-term success and well-being.”
Today, Gina is putting that wisdom into practice. She’s picked up golf and enjoys spending more time outdoors and on the water with her husband, Larry, CEO of Select Specialty Hospital. With their three children now grown, they embrace life as empty nesters. Larry is the chef of the house, famous for his homemade Chicago-style pizza, while Gina happily handles the dishes.
She is very involved in the community, Gina currently serves on the executive committee and board member for the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. She serves on the Board of the Housing Leadership Council and the Economic Council. In addition, she is serving on the leadership team for the American Heart Association 2025 Heart Walk and chairs Executives with Heart. The cause is deeply personal. Her father received a heart transplant but passed away at a young age. That early exposure to medical research left a lasting impression. Today, her involvement honors his legacy and underscores her dedication to improving outcomes for others. “I believe inensuring that everyone has a voice and that we meet the needs and expectations of those we serve.”