Baptist Health Care CEO Announces June 2027 Retirement and Succession Plan
11/02/2026
Mark Faulkner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health Care, announced today that he will retire on June 30, 2027. Faulkner has spent 34 years at Baptist, serving as President and CEO for the past 14 years. Baptist Health Care’s Board of Directors has named Brett Aldridge, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer as the organization’s next President and CEO effective July 1, 2027.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as Baptist Health Care’s President and CEO,” said Faulkner. “Throughout my career, I have been inspired daily by the dedication, compassion and excellence of our team members. Together, we have achieved extraordinary things while staying true to our mission and values. Baptist’s greatest strength has always been its people, and I know the organization’s future is bright. I have full confidence in Brett and the entire Baptist team as they carry our mission and the Baptist Way forward.”
Raised and rooted in Northwest Florida, Faulkner's visionary leadership guided Baptist through a period of significant growth and transformation, positioning the organization for long-term success in an increasingly complex health care environment. In addition to leading the area’s only locally based health care system, he has dedicated his time and expertise to numerous community and faith-based initiatives. He currently serves on the Florida Hospital Association Board of Trustees, having previously served as chairman, and is a member of the American Hospital Association Regional Policy Board.
“Mark’s leadership has had a profound and lasting impact on Baptist Health Care,” said Dave Cleveland, Chair of Baptist Health Care’s Board of Directors. “On behalf of the Board, I thank him for his exceptional service and congratulate him on a well-earned retirement. Throughout his tenure, he has faithfully advanced our mission with excellence and compassion. He has inspired our team members, strengthened our culture, and helped position Baptist for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Following a thorough and intentional selection process, Brett is the clear choice to lead us into the future. The Board and I are grateful for his ongoing leadership and believe Baptist is exceptionally well-positioned for continued success under his direction.”
Aldridge will be the organization’s 5th CEO in its 75-year history. A Pensacola native, he joined the organization in 2010 with the Andrews Institute Research Foundation before stepping into system leadership roles in strategy and operations, and assuming his current role in 2023. Since that time, he has consistently improved Baptist’s operational metrics with the organization receiving top scores in patient satisfaction, improving retention, setting record financial results and earning the area’s only 4-star CMS quality results. He has led significant initiatives in recent years including Baptist’s COVID response, the move to the new Baptist Hospital campus and many other significant growth efforts.
“It is an incredible honor to lead Baptist Health Care into the future,” said Aldridge. “I am grateful to the Board for their trust and to Mark for his leadership and friendship. Baptist has been serving this community for 75 years, and as someone who grew up here, I have seen firsthand the impact this organization has on the lives of individuals and families across our region. I look forward to working alongside our exceptional team members, physicians and community partners to build on our strengths and advance our mission. As we embrace the opportunities ahead, my focus will remain on investing in our people, strengthening our culture, advancing clinical excellence and ensuring Baptist continues to be a trusted source of care for generations to come.”
The leadership transition will conclude an intentional, multi-year succession process for the organization. Mark and Brett will work closely together until June 30, 2027, to ensure a smooth transition and continue the organization’s strong momentum.