Orlando Health Welcomes New Leaders

Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Medical Center has named LaTasha Barnes, chief financial officer, and Antwan Williams, administrator, allied health & support services. Arnold Palmer Medical Center consists of Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies. The organization has also promoted Theresa Ransome to director of network development at the corporate level.

"We are extremely pleased to have LaTasha and Antwan join the organization," said Sheila Bystrak, chief operating officer for Winnie Palmer Hospital. "They are accomplished individuals who excel in their respective fields."

Ms. Barnes comes to Orlando Health with over 18 years of experience, primarily in the healthcare industry, including more than seven years in both public accounting and internal audit. She received her B.B.A. in Accounting at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. She is a certified public accountant, licensed in both Tennessee and Florida and a member of the National Association of Black Accountants. Ms. Barnes has served on the boards of Matthew Walker Comprehensive Health Center (Nashville, TN) and JFK Medical Center Charter School (West Palm Beach, FL).

Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Mr. Williams joins Orlando Health from the Geisinger Health System in Danville, PA where he completed his administrative fellowship and served as director of operations, emergency medicine, providing leadership to seven emergency departments within a 12-hospital campus. He also served as interim administrator, orthopedics and anesthesia service lines, responsible for strategic, financial and operational leadership.

Mr. Williams earned his B.S. in Business Management at Florida State University, and Masters in Health Administration at the University of Central Florida. He is a member of the National Association of Health Services Executives and co-author of "Walking on Air: Success Tips for the Young, Fly and Foolish".

"Their leadership experience and expertise will be instrumental in ensuring that Arnold Palmer Medical Center continues to provide extraordinary care to the women, parents, children and babies of our region," added Cary D'Ortona, chief operating officer of Arnold Palmer Hospital. "They will be integral in helping to direct the operational and financial success of both hospitals."

Ms. Ransome, a 24-year employee with Orlando Health, has been promoted to director of network development at the corporate level. In her new role she will lead provider contracting for Orlando Health's clinically integrated network (CIN) and collaborate with the corporation's human resources benefits team.

In her most recent role with the organization, Ms. Ransome served as manager of the Orlando Health Team Member Health Plan, where she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the provider network. She has served on numerous councils during her career at Orlando Health and has completed the Orlando Health Advanced Leader Program.

"Throughout her career, Theresa has demonstrated her commitment to Orlando Health and to the care of team members and their families," says Jerry Senne, vice president, value-based care & population health. "In this new role, she will use her leadership skills and experience to help improve and streamline the care of all patients who receive care through our CIN."

Mr. Williams joined Orlando Health January 9. Ms. Ransome's promotion became effective January 26. Ms. Barnes joined the organization February 1.