Kayla Tidwell takes the young leader spotlight for Lake and Sumter counties
Kayla Tidwell has been honored as a Top 40 Under Forty leader in Lake and Sumter counties.
Kayla Tidwell, executive director of operations at AdventHealth Waterman, has been honored as one of Lake and Sumter Style Magazine’s Top 40 Under Forty Young Leaders.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Kayla for being recognized as a leading professional,” said Abel Biri, president and CEO of AdventHealth Waterman. “Her dedication to health care operations and commitment to improving patient care truly reflect our core values. Kayla’s leadership and passion for service have made a meaningful impact on our patients, team members and the community. We are grateful to have her on our team.”
For nearly eight years, Tidwell has worked for AdventHealth. She has been in her current role for just over a year and has demonstrated exceptional leadership in overseeing five departments with approximately 250 team members across clinical and non-clinical areas.
In the past year, Tidwell has been the driving force behind numerous key initiatives at AdventHealth Waterman, including the expansion of the inpatient rehabilitation unit, the build-out of the second floor of the Mount Dora Medical Plaza to add additional physician office space, and the planning of AdventHealth Waterman’s new medical office building.
Early on in high school and college, Tidwell demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities, consistently stepping up to guide her peers and inspire those around her. From an excerpt in her feature article in Lake and Sumter Style Magazine, she stated:
“... I was class president for my senior year in high school and college... I also hold two bachelor’s degrees, one being in elementary education (I obtained my educator’s license too). If I wasn’t working in health care, I would be a teacher.”
Another interesting fact about Tidwell is she enjoys playing the violin in the AdventHealth Orchestra, which is made up of AdventHealth employees.
12 items. To interact with these items, press Control-Option-Shift-Right Arrow. These items are in a slider. To advance slider forward, press Shift-Command-Right Arrow. To advance slider backward, press Shift-Command-Left Arrow.
News
Local mother first to receive advanced robotic weight-loss surgery at AdventHealth Daytona Beach
Julie Mabins lost 17 pounds in 18 days and could lose 150 pounds or more over the next two years.
News
168 volunteers, countless lives touched
Because of the time, skill, and compassion of our team members, 2025 was a powerful year for Global Missions. Together, we continued extending the healing ministry of Christ to communities across the...
News
AdventHealth, Erik Jones expand book vending machine program with sixth school donation
DeLand elementary school becomes the fourth in Volusia County to receive the literacy resource.
News
Love in action: One wife’s lifesaving gift
For most couples, Valentine’s Day is about flowers, cards, or a special dinner. For Sherry and Dannie Turner, it’s about something much deeper. It’s about the gift of life from a wife to her husband.
News
Turning loss into love: How our ED team strengthened support for families after infant loss
Loss is never easy -- and the loss of an infant is among the most heartbreaking experiences a family can endure.
News
Care that feels like family: A team member’s experience of compassion in action
When families walk into the Emergency Department, they often arrive carrying fear, uncertainty, and hope all at once.
News
New ER strengthens access to emergency care in south Orange County
AdventHealth is expanding access to whole-person emergency care in south Orange County with the upcoming opening of the AdventHealth Sand Lake ER.
News
A heart for healing
Faith, family and representation shape Dr. John Nwosu’s approach to whole-person heart care.
News
Persistent chest pressure led DeLand man back to the ER – just in time
Active and health-conscious, Tim Whitmore trusted subtle symptoms, sought care, and survived severe heart blockages thanks to timely treatment.
Press Release
2 locations, 1 life-saving mission: AdventHealth hosts community blood drives
AdventHealth will host community blood drives at two hospital locations on Friday, February 13, from 10 am to 3 pm, inviting neighbors to come together for one shared purpose: helping save lives.
News
AdventHealth Manchester hosts 'Bloom Your Heart Health' event to promote heart wellness
AdventHealth Manchester recently hosted Bloom Your Heart Health, a creative and educational Heart Month event designed to empower community members with practical tools to support a healthy heart—all...
News
As the DAYTONA 500 nears, a NASCAR family reflects on a health scare that unfolded at home
One member of the NASCAR community is reflecting on a quieter moment from last season — one that unfolded not at the track, but at home in Flagler County.