Kerry Watson

Watson is the interim chief executive officer at UF Health St. Johns. An expert in guiding health care organizations through transitions, he leads the ongoing process of integrating UF Health St. Johns into the UF Health system, providing strategic direction and leadership to drive organizational performance and growth.

Watson has a strong track record of enabling hospitals in change to continue their mission of providing excellent, safe care to all patients in the communities they serve.

Before joining UF Health, Watson completed an assignment as interim CEO for Maui Health System in Hawaii. There he managed the day-to-day operations for Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital, Kula Clinic, and Lanai Community Hospital.

Watson has had several interim executive leadership roles with major health care organizations, including Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center. He has also held permanent roles at prominent organizations, including more than 15 years as an executive in the Duke University Health System.

Watson holds a master’s degree in organizational management and a bachelor’s degree in radiology administration and health sciences, and has completed additional postgraduate work at the University of Maryland. He has facilitated numerous leadership programs across the country, and is actively involved in a number of industry, community, and philanthropic organizations.