By Daniel Casciato
With a distinguished career spanning over two decades, Gina Melby, MMM, is no stranger to building high-performing healthcare organizations. Now, she steps into her latest role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Alan B. Miller Medical Center, a new 156-bed hospital currently under construction in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Effective April 1 of this year, Melby takes charge of the seven-story acute care facility expected to open in Spring 2026. The hospital, named after the founder and executive chairman of Universal Health Services (UHS), is set to bring cutting-edge technology, high-quality care, and hundreds of jobs to the region. For Melby, the opportunity represents more than just another executive role.
โIโm drawn to the opportunity to lead this organization because of its commitment to the community and very patient care focus,โ Melby says. โI have the opportunity to build a new hospital from the ground up, integrating new technology and building and establishing a culture of excellence. Iโm passionate about creating a healthcare environment prioritizing safety, quality and strong physician relationships.โ
Building from the Ground Up
Melbyโs immediate focus is on laying the foundation for the hospitalโs operational success. That starts with people.
โMy immediate priorities are going to be assembling a high-performing leadership team, recruiting top talent across all departments, and establishing key operational protocols,โ she explains. โWeโre creating a collaborative, innovative culture that sets the foundation for our hospitalโs success.โ
Her experience at JFK Medical Center and Northwest Medical Centerโboth in South Floridaโprovides her with a strategic blueprint for launching a successful facility from day one. Melby previously served as CEO at both hospitals, delivering measurable results in hospital quality, physician partnerships and patient safety.
โMy experience teaches me the importance of strategic planning, operational excellence and strong community relationships,โ she says. โI bring these lessons to Alan B. Miller Medical Center, focusing on building a culture of continuous improvement and high standards of care to serve this thriving and growing community.โ
Tech-Driven, Patient-Focused
As a brand-new facility, the Alan B. Miller Medical Center offers Melby the rare opportunity to integrate the latest medical innovations from the ground up fully.
โIโm excited about integrating advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, AI-driven imaging systems, and robotic-assisted surgery,โ she shares. โThese innovations enhance our ability to provide precise and effective care, which leads to strong patient outcomes.โ
The hospital is already being designed to accommodate future growth, with shell space for an additional 150 beds. When fully operational, it will employ more than 800 individuals.
Physician Partnerships at the Core
Melbyโs reputation for building physician relationships is well known in South Florida. At Alan B. Miller Medical Center, those connections become central to establishing and growing key service lines, including emergency medicine, cardiology, orthopedic and general surgery, oncology, and neurology.
โLeveraging my relationships with physicians in a collaborative environment ensures that our service lines are not only comprehensive but also very innovative and patient-focused,โ she says.
Deep Roots in the Community
Beyond the hospital walls, Melby has long been a leader in community engagement, serving on boards including the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the Economic Council, and the American Heart Associationโs Executives with Heart. She now brings that same civic energy to her new role.
โI plan to engage the Palm Beach Gardens community through outreach programs, health education initiatives, partnerships with local organizations, and by actively participating in community events,โ she notes. โI want to address the specific health needs of the area and build trust.โ
Looking Ahead
With the hospitalโs grand opening on the horizon, Melby already has a bold vision for its role in the region over the next five years.
โThe vision for Alan B. Miller Medical Center is to become a leader in healthcare innovation and quality in this region,โ she states. โWe aim to expand our service lines, attract top medical talent, continuously improve patient outcomes, and become a trusted healthcare provider for the community.โ
And at the heart of that vision? People.
โFocusing on our employees is absolutely critical,โ Melby emphasizes. โWeโre building a culture with engaged, motivated staff. Recruiting top talent is going to be a key differentiator.โ
Melby also underscores the critical role of employees in shaping the hospitalโs success.
โEmployees are the heart and soul of a hospital,โ she notes. โCreating a great culture that fosters quality care and supports their well-being will be one of our top priorities as we grow.โ
She envisions a workplace where staff feel valued, engaged, and empowered to deliver exceptional care.
With a patient-centered philosophy, deep local ties, and a forward-thinking approach, Melby is poised to guide Alan B. Miller Medical Center into a new era of healthcare excellence in South Florida.
For more information, visit abmmedicalcenter.com.