AdventHealth Ocala Foundation

We recently had the chance to sit down with Amy to learn more about her background, family and passions! As a longtime leader in this community, she is wonderfully positioned to advance our mission of delivering world-class health care, close to home.”

Can you tell us a little bit about your professional career?

I’ve been fortunate to work with dedicated leaders to develop long-lasting partnerships for organizations and communities. Most recently, I served as Duke Energy’s Enterprise Director of Stakeholder Engagement, responsible for corporate-wide engagement projects for Florida, the Carolinas and Midwest. Previously, I led Duke Energy’s Florida Stakeholder Engagement and Foundation teams that invested over $5 million in charitable grants each year.

I currently serve as Leadership Florida’s chair-elect. I am a former board member of The Nature Conservancy of Florida and Prospera Hispanic Business Initiative. All three of these organizations have positively shaped our state for the better.

What drew you to the Executive Director role with AdventHealth Ocala Foundation?

My husband, youngest child and I were born in this hospital. Through the years, my family has been cared for by our outstanding healthcare professionals. Both of my children and my husband are alive because of AdventHealth Ocala – having received care for diabetes, epilepsy and an emergency heart catheterization, respectfully. My late parents also received compassionate care from our hospital. I’ve seen the positive impact that occurs when healthcare professionals provide wholistic care for patients and their caregivers.

How do you think the experiences you’ve already had have helped prepare you for this new role?

I’d like to think this has given me a front-row seat to witness compassionate care, not only for those who receive exceptional service from our hospital, but also by our impressive teams who wake up every day with a mission-driven purpose. As a mother, wife, and daughter, I’ve sat in a hospital room grateful for those who care as much about my loved ones as I. Now, this is my chance to give back and create sustainable resources for a healthcare system that’s helped my family.

What are some of the things you’re most excited about embarking on as the new Executive Director?

I can’t wait to connect donors to a cause that is meaningful to them and also helps our hometown hospital! I’m equally excited to work with our AdventHealth Ocala teams and Foundation board of directors. My first greeting to each of these groups will be a heartfelt “Thank you” for their servant hearts.

If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

Connector.

When you’re not working, what does everyday life look like?

Most mornings begin with my husband, Mike, and I reading multiple newspapers while two LhasaPoo puppies fight for prime seating on our laps. I enjoy reading, writing, and taking frequent visits to downtown restaurants and stores owned by friends with big hearts and talents. Mike and I are proud supporters of The Reilly Performing Arts Center and the Marion Theatre, the latter where great classics are shown. Ocala has it all! Speaking of movies, we belong to a 20-year-old Movie Club with a group a friends who have given us great happiness in fellowship over film. Evenings usually offer us a chance to call or Facetime our two adult children and future son-in-law, the perfect ending to any day!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with us?

I’ve seen the goodness in AdventHealth through the people who work here. They make a difference and I’m so grateful to be a part of this special family.