Kari Vargas named president/CEO for AdventHealth Winter Garden and CEO for AdventHealth's West Orange and South Lake Market

Kari Vargas has been named president and CEO for AdventHealth Winter Garden and CEO for the West Orange and South Lake market located in AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. Vargas will report to Jennifer Wandersleben, CEO of Acute Care Services for the Central Florida Division – South Region.

“I know Kari’s experience in leading operations, strategic planning and diverse teams will serve her well as she steps into this new role,” said Terry Shaw, president/CEO for AdventHealth. “With the continued growth we’re seeing in the West Orange and South Lake markets, Kari’s leadership and expertise will further our delivery of faith-based, whole-person care across these communities.”

In this role, Vargas will oversee the day-to-day operations of AdventHealth Winter Garden and will lead the overall expansion of the West Orange and South Lake markets, developing and executing strategies that support the total network of care and building influential relationships with key constituents, communities and consumers.

“Kari is a forward-thinking leader that understands how to lead provider and care teams toward operational excellence,” said Wandersleben. “Kari’s passion for our mission fuels her ability to collaborate and bring teams together to continue expanding our promise of wholeness across the communities we serve.”

Vargas joined AdventHealth in 2000 and has served in various leadership roles, including vice president of business development at AdventHealth Orlando and vice president of business development and strategy for the Central Florida Division. Most recently, Vargas served as vice president and chief operating officer at AdventHealth Orlando where she had oversight and responsibility for the strategic development and overall operational performance for the campus.

“I am honored to work for a company that sets a bold vision for the future and I’m excited for the work we get to do in the West Orange and South Lake communities,” said Vargas. “I look forward to building relationships and partnering with our providers and care teams as we continue Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ to our surrounding communities.”

Vargas received her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Central Florida. She also holds a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management from Rollins College. Vargas is involved in her community, serving on the boards of the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and Support Our Scholars.

Vargas takes joy in running and spending time with her family outdoors enjoying watersports. She and her husband Robert have two children: Caroline (13) and Will (11).