Chief Operating Officer joins AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach

Joshua Champion has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. He officially steps into his new role on April 7.

Champion has 15 years of leadership experience within AdventHealth, including roles in human resources and hospital operations. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Ancillary Services at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, leading a team of more than 850 people across clinical and non-clinical departments, outpatient imaging, rehab and lab centers, and even medical operations at the Daytona International Speedway.

"Joshua brings a strong track record of leadership and a deep commitment to serving both our team and our patients," said Dr. Dennis Hernandez, President and CEO, AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. "His experience and passion for improving health care make him a great fit for our community, and I’m excited to see the impact he’ll have in this role."

During his tenure in Daytona Beach, Champion played a key role in major projects, including the hospital’s $220 million vertical expansion and opening a new ambulatory surgery center and medical office building.

In his new role as COO at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach, he will oversee the hospitals operations in various clinical and non-clinical departments and the strategic development of services for the community at large. Josua will also continue overseeing biomedical engineering for all seven hospitals in AdventHealth’s East Florida Division while also working on local initiatives to improve sustainability and health equity in Volusia County.

"I am humbled and truly honored to join the team at AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach,” said Champion. “This hospital has a strong legacy of caring for the community, and I look forward to building on that foundation, expanding services, enhancing patient experiences, and supporting our incredible caregivers.”

Champion earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Health Care Administration from Oakwood University in Alabama and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Webster University. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and a Certified Leadership Coach.

Champion fills the COO position previously held by Khelsea Bauer, who recently became the president and CEO for AdventHealth DeLand.