Abel Biri named chief executive officer of AdventHealth Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. — AdventHealth has named Abel Biri CEO of AdventHealth Orlando, AdventHealth’s flagship facility. In this role, which will also include executive oversight of AdventHealth for Children, Biri will lead one of the nation’s largest non-profit hospital campuses in a dynamic health care market. He succeeds Rob Deininger, who was recently appointed president/CEO for the East Florida Division of AdventHealth.

“Abel is a purpose-driven leader who keeps patient care front and center,” said Kari Vargas, CEO of AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division – North Market. “His leadership not only reflects a deep commitment to our mission, but to building stronger, healthier communities, which makes him the right person to guide AdventHealth Orlando into its next chapter of delivering exceptional, whole-person care.”

Most recently, Biri spent eight years as CEO of AdventHealth Waterman, where he led efforts to expand access and improve care throughout Lake County. Under his leadership, the hospital opened a new patient tower, introduced its first robotic surgery program, and launched Lake County’s first children’s emergency department. During this time, he was honored with the Crystal Angel Award, AdventHealth’s highest employee honor, for his exceptional Christian leadership and mission-focused achievements.

Previously, Biri served as chief operating officer of AdventHealth Waterman and of AdventHealth Orlando. While at AdventHealth Orlando, he played a key role in strategic planning and service line development, providing executive oversight of programs like the Transplant Institute and Digestive Health Institute.

“This opportunity to return to Orlando and lead such a remarkable team is a humbling honor,” said Biri. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place and continuing to deliver faith-based, whole-person care that uplifts our communities and honors the legacy of healing we’ve been entrusted with.”

Biri’s passion for service extends beyond the hospital walls. In 2024, he walked 125 miles along Spain’s historic Camino de Santiago, raising $106,000 to support the AdventHealth Waterman Community Clinic, which provides care for uninsured patients in Lake County. Globally, he serves as AdventHealth’s executive sponsor for its mission partnership in Ethiopia, where he has helped expand critical services and is working to establish a nursing school. He has also participated in multiple medical mission trips to Guatemala and Haiti, bringing care and hope to underserved communities.

He earned his undergraduate degree in business from Andrews University and holds a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Biri is an active leader in civic and economic development efforts across Florida. He serves on the boards of AdventHealth Ocala, the AdventHealth Credit Union and Lake 100, a coalition of business leaders advancing economic opportunity in Lake County. He also serves as chair of the Lake Economic Area Development Partnership, a public-private partnership with Lake County.