Health care system names new CEO of local hospital

TAMPA — Kenneth Wicker has been appointed CEO of St. Petersburg General Hospital, effective May 4. 

According to a press release, Wicker — who boasts more than 20 years of experience in health care administration — comes to the HCA Healthcare West Florida facility from Bayfront Health-Brooksville, where he’s served as CEO since 2012. 

Wicker, the release states, has worked at other HCA Healthcare facilities, including Ocala Regional Medical Center, where he served as COO. 

“We are excited to have Ken return to HCA Healthcare and the West Florida division,” states Tim Burroughs, HCA West Florida’s chief administrative officer, in the release. “His ability to strategically align resources and understanding of the Tampa Bay market will be instrumental in guiding the growth agenda for St. Petersburg General Hospital.”

Headquartered in Tampa, HCA West Florida is a 15-hospital system that provided care to 1.2 million patients in 2019.