National hospital giant promotes Manatee exec to new CEO post

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Andy Guz has been promoted to CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital in downtown Bradenton.

Both facilities — LWRMC has 120 beds; MMH has 300 beds — are owned by suburban Philadelphia hospital and health services giant United Health Services. UHS, which had $14.3 billion in revenue in 2023, operates 27 inpatient acute care hospitals, 333 inpatient behavioral health facilities and more than 40 outpatient facilities.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center COO Philip Reber has been named interim CEO in place of Guz, according to a statement. Guz, meanwhile, replaces former Manatee Memorial Hospital CEO Tom McDougal. He begins his new role at Manatee Memorial Sept, 15, the release states.

Guz left a big mark on LWRMC and east Manatee County since he took on the role in 2016. Milestones and accomplishments include:

• Lakewood Ranch Medical Center was given a Top Hospital Award for outstanding quality and safety by Leapfrog in 2021. 
• The hospital received a CMS Five Star Rating in 2021, becoming the first hospital in Manatee County to receive the Five Star Rating.
• Hospital held a groundbreaking and started construction of a $120 million patient bed tower expansion project, which is pointed toward a 2026 completion. The expansion will double the current number of patient beds.
• Hospital opened an ER on Frutiville Road.
• Added a second cardiac catheterization lab and holding bays.
• Added surgical suites and robotic technology.
• Completed a $3 million Women's Center renovation.

“We are grateful for the nearly eight years that Andy has served this hospital," LWRMC board of governors Chair Robert Hillstrom says in the statement. “It has been a privilege working with such a dedicated, hardworking and visionary hospital executive. His departure is bittersweet as he has accomplished so much at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, I wish him continued success in his new role at Manatee Memorial Hospital | Manatee Health.”