Hospital CEO quits after three years

TAMPA — Tampa General Hospital CEO Jim Burkhart has resigned from his position, the hospital announced in a statement.

Steve Short, executive vice president and CFO, was named acting president and CEO of the 1,011-bed nonprofit hospital, effective immediately, according to the statement. A national search is underway to find a new permanent CEO, according to the statement. Hospital officials didn't disclose a specific reason for Burkhart's departure.

“We appreciate all that Jim has done during his time here,” says TGH board chairman John Brabson in the statement. “Steve Short has all the trust and confidence of the board. He has served as our CFO for 16 years and was the unanimous choice of the board to lead us through this transition and all the strategic initiatives we are considering. We are working with USF Health and others to create a world-class healthcare system.”

Burkhart was named CEO at Tampa General in 2013, following a stint as president and CEO of UF Shands Jacksonville Medical Center. He was elected chairman of the Florida Hospital Association board in October.

Tampa General Hospital has an annual operating budget of more than $1 billion, and the facility, one of the leading organ transplant centers nationwide, has 6,785 full-time employees.