Lydia Hendrix named Chief Operating Officer at UF Health St. Johns

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Lydia Hendrix, R.N., B.S.N., M.S., has been named chief operating officer of UF Health St. Johns, where she will oversee all aspects of operations across the region, including existing and future inpatient hospitals and ambulatory sites.

“On behalf of UF Health St. Johns, I am pleased to welcome Lydia to the executive leadership team,” said Carlton DeVooght, president and CEO of UF Health St. Johns. “Her substantial knowledge and experience will deliver valuable insight and leadership as we continue our growth as part of the larger UF Health system.”

Hendrix comes to UF Health St. Johns with extensive experience in the health care industry, most recently as vice president and chief nursing officer at Advent Health East Orlando. In that role, she was responsible for all aspects of nursing care and clinical ancillary services for the 319-bed hospital and two freestanding emergency departments. Additionally, Hendrix helped lead strategic and long-range planning related to budget development and oversight, clinical care delivery, market and service line development and community engagement.

“It is an honor to join UF Health St. Johns at this pivotal moment in its history,” Hendrix said. “I look forward to helping guide the organization as we continue the longstanding legacy of meeting the needs of our patients and their families.”

Earlier this year, UF Health acquired Flagler Health+ and the health system is now UF Health St. Johns.

Hendrix began her career as an administrative nurse manager at Florida Hospital Medical Center in Orlando. After 14 years, she became the hospital’s administrative director for the Orthopaedic Institute, Fracture Care Center and Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine. Later, she was promoted to assistant vice president of clinical operations for the hospital system’s flagship campus.

Her career in health care administration has seen Hendrix hold senior leadership roles at Siemens Medical Solutions USA Inc., Brooks Rehabilitation and NeuLife Rehabilitation before her time at Advent Health.

Hendrix is a doctorate of nursing practice candidate in executive health systems leadership from Florida State University, holds a master’s degree in strategic leadership from Mountain State University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Florida State University.