UF Health St. Johns Appoints New Executives

UF Health is strengthening local health care services for all patients in Northeast Florida with the appointment of key executives at UF Health St. Johns. UF Health has named accomplished executives Kerry Watson as interim chief executive officer and Huson Gilberstadt, M.D., as chief medical officer for UF Health St. Johns effective June 3.

As CEO, Watson will lead the ongoing process of integrating UF Health St. Johns into the UF Health system, provide strategic direction and leadership to drive organizational performance and growth, and offer guidance to the organization during the transition period and beyond to ensure continuity and sustainability.

“As One UF Health, we are committed to the long-term success of UF Health St. Johns. Kerry’s extensive background will be a stabilizing force in this period of integration,” said Steve Motew, M.D., president and system CEO for UF Health. “With his track record, we are well-positioned to deliver on our mission to provide excellent, safe care to all our patients, so they can get back to enjoying their lives to the fullest extent possible.”

Most recently, Watson completed an assignment as interim CEO for Maui Health System in Hawaii. In this role he provided the leadership bridge and 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.

Prior to that, Watson successfully completed a number of interim executive leadership assignments with major health care organizations, including Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center, Centra Health System, Memorial University Medical Center and Arnot Health. He has also held permanent roles at prominent organizations, including more than 15 years of executive positions with Duke University Health System.

Watson holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Management, a Bachelor of Science in Radiology Administration and Health Sciences, and has completed additional postgraduate work at the University of Maryland. He has facilitated numerous leadership programs and presentations across the country and is actively involved in a number of industry, community and philanthropic organizations.

As CMO, Gilberstadt will serve as UF Health St. Johns’ physician leader, overseeing patient care and clinical effectiveness while promoting a culture of safety and patient satisfaction.

Gilberstadt brings a wealth of leadership experience and demonstrated results. Most recently, he worked as a medical consultant for information services companies, GLG and AlphaSights. He also helped lead the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes, or ECHO, program – Project Save Lives – at the national level. Gilberstadt served as an addiction physician for Gateway Community Services and Florida Springs Wellness and Recovery Center.

Prior to those duties, Gilberstadt served in key leadership roles at Ascension, the nation’s largest nonprofit health system, including as chief medical officer and president of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside Hospital in Jacksonville.

Gilberstadt grew up in Jacksonville, where he graduated from Ed White High School. He attended the University of Georgia before earning his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia.