Since Eric Lawson, new Chief executive officer of North Florida Regional Medical Center (NFRMC), began his position in July, he has made the people at NFRMC his main focus. Lawson views his position as a leader as someone who is “driven to help people succeed and win.”
“North Florida Regional Medical Center would be nothing without the dedicated staff of our facilities — they are the lifeblood of what we do,” Lawson said. “We are here for our colleagues and our staff that go above and beyond for patients and their families. I feel it’s important for our culture to show every member of our staff — whether they are a physician, nurse, receptionist, environmental services staff or food services worker — that they are all a part of the healing process for our patients.”
As CEO, Lawson oversees all hospital
operations, planning and strategy development.
He returns to NFRMC where he had served as
the chief financial officer as well as the ethics and compliance officer at North Florida Regional from 2005-2012. Most recently, he served as the division chief financial officer for HCA TriStar Health in Brentwood, Tenn., overseeing a Division of 14 hospitals, 10 ambulatory surgery centers and 386 service providers.
Lawson is a father of three – two sons, ages 25 and 23, and one daughter, age 18. He sees many similarities between being a CEO and a dad.
“In both of my roles as a father and CEO, I strive to facilitate a vision for success,” Lawson said. “I support the accomplishment of my children’s and employees’ goals, celebrate their victories and provide support during tough times.”
This commitment to community and helping people succeed is part of what drove Lawson to leadership.
“I value teamwork, personal accountability and respect. My role is to provide an environment where these are present. When they are, our patients, colleagues and the organization succeed,” Lawson said. “The role of CEO at NFRMC offers the opportunity to lead an incredible family of industry-leading physicians, leaders and caregivers.”
Lawson has overseen a continued forward trajectory and growth of NFRMC in the community, which includes the establishment of two freestanding emergency rooms around the area plus the hospital’s planned expansion of its main campus ER, an increase in parking and the addition of three floors to its South Tower. A planned primary care center on Tower Road, now under construction, will expand primary care to residents in a more convenient location. This also allows physicians and staff to train the next generation of medical professionals.
Lawson is proud of the impact NFRMC employees have on the local community, not only by providing superior care but also through the way they give back and encourage others to do so.
“This hospital is so important to Gainesville and our surrounding communities,” Lawson said. “That is symbolized not only in our care but also in the way that so many of our staff members give back to the community through activities like the annual Heart Walk and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Our staff is so dedicated to improving the lives of people in our community.”
Lawson shares that passion and has previously been involved with the Nashville Rotary and Nashville Catholic Charities. He will be joining the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Board and looks forward to seeking new opportunities to serve the community in Greater Gainesville.
It is clear that the excitement and vigor that Lawson has brought to NFRMC has spread to its employees.
“Eric Lawson has returned to his NFRMC family,” said Sandra Daughtry, a longtime staff member and Director of Non-Invasive Cardiology, Vascular, Neuro and Sleep Disorders Center at NFRMC. “As he has returned, he has challenged us to remember and share the ‘why’ behind what we do daily to celebrate the successes, to strive to be the ‘best of the best’ in all areas and to continue to provide extraordinary health care with unmatched dedication and compassion to all.”