For Jared Smith, healthcare leadership is about far more than managing hospitals. It is about building trust, strengthening communities, and ensuring that every patient feels the human impact behind the care they receive.

As CEO of Bethesda Hospital East and Bethesda Hospital West, part of Baptist Health South Florida, Smith leads a team of more than 2,500 employees who collectively care for more than 100,000 patients across Palm Beach County each year.  “As part of Baptist Health South Florida, we are fortunate to build upon a rich history of innovation, excellence, and service to our community. My focus is to enhance the outstanding work already taking place across our organization while energizing our team around a clear and inspiring vision.”

Bringing that to life requires more than strategy; it requires a leadership style grounded in people and presence. “My hope is to lead with empathy, compassion, and integrity while fostering a culture built on trust, teamwork, and transparency. I believe in being a hands-on leader who is actively engaged in the day-to-day operations of the organization and accessible to our team members, physicians, and community.”

That people-first approach has guided Smith throughout his career, which spans more than 25 years in healthcare. Before joining Baptist Health in 2023, he served as regional CEO of Broward Health Coral Springs. He also held several leadership positions with Tenet Healthcare, including chief operating officer of Delray Medical Center and national service line business development administrator for cardiovascular services. While each role expanded his experience and responsibilities, it was the people he met along the way who defined his approach to leadership. “I have been incredibly fortunate to have several exceptional mentors throughout my life who have helped shape both my career and my approach to leadership.”

One mentor who had a profound impact is Maritza Gomez, retired Deputy CEO of Deloitte & Touche. “She showed me how to embrace complex challenges, identify root causes, and develop sustainable solutions that create long-term results. Equally important, she demonstrated that great leadership is not just about achieving outcomes, but about inspiring and empowering teams to achieve them together. Through her mentorship, I gained a deeper understanding of organizational strategy, growth opportunities, financial acumen, and risk assessment. She showed me how successful leaders balance these critical elements to position an organization for long-term, sustainable success. Many of the leadership principles I rely on today were shaped by Maritza’s guidance. Her example taught me to think strategically, lead with integrity, remain focused on solutions, and never shy away from difficult decisions.”

For Smith, the value of those decisions comes down to their impact on people. It’s a philosophy reinforced by Will Guidara’s Unreasonable Hospitality, a book that challenged him to think even more intentionally. “Its message resonated deeply with me as a healthcare leader. The book emphasizes the power of exceeding expectations and creating memorable experiences through intentional acts of service and compassion. It inspired me to continue fostering a culture where every team member is empowered to elevate the patient experience and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”

That commitment to service extends beyond the walls of the hospital and led him to join the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “I've spent my career serving the South Florida community, so joining the Council felt like a natural extension of that commitment. I believe strong communities are built through collaboration, and the Council plays an important role in supporting economic growth while improving the quality of life for everyone who lives here. Healthcare is connected to so many important issues, including jobs, housing, and overall community well-being, so it's important for Bethesda Hospital to be part of those conversations. We want to help shape a strong future for Palm Beach County. Most importantly, our patients are at the center of everything we do, and being involved with the Council helps us better understand the needs of the people we serve.”

He also gains a broader perspective by connecting to leaders from numerous industries. “Those conversations provide valuable insights that help us plan and respond to the changing needs of our growing region. For Bethesda Hospital, the greatest benefit always comes back to our patients. By building strong partnerships and working together with county leaders, we can help improve access to care, support our workforce, and make it easier for patients to receive the high-quality care they need close to home.”

However, like many CEO’s from across the county, he believes attracting and finding talent has become a critical issue. “Workforce shortages continue to affect many industries, including healthcare. In our field, it's essential that we focus on expanding access to care and ensuring our services keep pace with the growth. Maintaining a strong economy while addressing the needs of our residents requires continued investment in key areas like housing, transportation, education, public safety, and healthcare. It also takes a shared commitment from businesses, government, schools, and local organizations to create solutions that support long-term growth. Employers play an important role as well by listening to their teams and investing in their workforce. At Bethesda Hospital, we know that when our employees feel supported, they are better equipped to provide exceptional care. A strong workforce leads to better access, stronger service, and better outcomes for the patients we serve.”

Looking toward the next decade, he is confident that Palm Beach County will be a place where people want to come live, work, and raise a family. “I hope we continue to embrace thoughtful and well-managed growth, innovation, and new opportunities while making thoughtful investments in a strong workforce, affordable housing, reliable infrastructure, and other essential services that support a thriving community. From a healthcare perspective, I want to see patients have even greater access to care, with more convenient options that make it easier to get the services they need.”

His vision may be focused on the future, but the values behind the optimism were instilled a long time ago. “My mother always encouraged me to believe in myself. She was a constant source of motivation and inspiration, instilling in me the confidence to embrace challenges and strive for excellence. One of the lessons she often shared was that everything happens for a reason, a perspective that has helped guide me through both successes and setbacks.”

Those lessons continue to guide him today, but if he had the opportunity to talk to his younger self, he’d advise him to remain a lifelong learner, approach every experience with an open mind, maintain a positive outlook, and always give your best effort. “I would also remind my younger self never to lose sight of what matters most: family and friends. Success is meaningful, but the relationships we build and nurture throughout our lives are what bring true fulfillment. Stay close to the people who love and support you, make time for them, and cherish those relationships. They will be there to celebrate your successes, help you through difficult times, and keep you grounded along the way. In the end, it is not only what we accomplish that defines us, but also the connections we make and the impact we have on the lives of those we care about.”

That belief in the importance of relationships shapes Smith’s life outside the hospital as well. He enjoys spending time with friends, playing golf, embracing South Florida’s outdoor lifestyle, and cheering on the Miami Hurricanes during college football season.

His commitment to people is also reflected in his support of the Baptist Health Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. “Charity is everything because it takes all of us working together to build a stronger community.”

It is that spirit of service that connects his personal and professional worlds. Whether he is supporting patients, empowering employees, or helping families build a better future, Smith believes the greatest measure of success is the difference we make for others. “If you can give your time and energy to make a difference in someone’s life, there is nothing more rewarding than that.”