Aurelio M. Fernandez III has taken on the role of Interim CEO at Memorial Regional Hospital, effective immediately. This position marks a return for Fernandez, who previously served as the President and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. As the interim CEO, he will oversee all hospital operations, focusing mainly on growth and quality initiatives. He also aims to explore innovations for the hospital and the broader healthcare system.
“I am thrilled to be returning to Memorial,” Fernandez says. “Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to create what I hope most would consider a lasting healthcare legacy for our community. I’m excited to continue to bring leadership and vision to both Memorial and Broward Health as they explore new ways to collaborate and elevate healthcare across South Florida.”
Following his retirement from Memorial in 2022, Fernandez took on the role of Interim CEO at Broward Health’s flagship institution, Broward Health Medical Center. He later transitioned to Executive in Residence at Broward Health’s corporate offices, where he has spearheaded various growth and operational initiatives. Fernandez will maintain his executive in residence role at Broward Health while also leading Memorial Regional Hospital.
“While this is likely not the retirement Aurelio envisioned, we are all proud of Aurelio for using his remarkable industry knowledge to continue to serve our community,” says Shane Strum, president and CEO of Broward Health and Interim CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. “He is an inspirational healthcare executive who brings greatness wherever he leads.”
Fernandez, originally from Havana, Cuba, has lived in South Florida for over sixty years. He dedicated nearly two decades to Memorial, where he held various positions before becoming the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Memorial Healthcare System in 2012. In 2016, the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners appointed him as President and CEO of Memorial. He became part of Broward Health in 2023.
For more information about Broward Health, visit BrowardHealth.org.
