Lars Houmann named to Florida Trend's 'Florida 500' most influential executives list

Florida Trend Magazine recently named Lars Houmann, chief operating officer for Adventist Health System, one of the 500 most influential executives in Florida. Houmann was recognized in the Life Sciences category of Florida Trend's first edition of the Florida 500 among a diverse list of executives from various economic sectors of the state. For nearly 30 years, Houmann has served AHS in various leadership roles where he has helped expand and improve Floridians' access to faith-based health care in communities across the state. He first joined AHS in 1985 as an administrator for Florida Hospital's Center of Psychiatry, and was later named president and chief executive officer for Florida Hospital in 2006. As of 2017, he now serves as chief operating officer for AHS.

Houmann's contributions to Florida's health care include the launch of Florida Hospital Celebration Health in 1998, major campus expansions at Florida Hospital Orlando in 2009 and 2015, integrating transplant programs and academic medicine within the Florida Hospital system, the acquisition of University Community Health in Tampa and their four hospitals in 2010 and the opening of Florida Hospital for Children in 2011.

Houmann has also served on the board of the Florida Chamber, the Florida Hospital Association and the Greater Orlando Economic Development Commission where he received the James B. Greene Award for his contributions to the community's economic growth.

According to Florida Trend, the selection of the Florida 500 was based on a variety of sources including input from executives of economic development organizations, professional associations and others who know their communities, industries and the state well.

When asked what he loves most about his job, Houmann told Florida Trend, 'The ability to improve the well-being of entire communities." As part of his award acceptance, he was also asked to share any advice for those in his industry. He responded, 'Don't be stuck in hospital or provider-centric thinking. Think about the customer first.' Houmann also cited the impact of his father's perspective on health care as a physician and medical missionary. 'He taught me that every person has value and is a child of God,' he said.