Black Excellence is alive and well in South Florida. With representation and leadership at the top of so many prestigious hospitals and health organizations, it’s no wonder the list of Legacy Magazine’s “Top Black Healthcare Professionals of 2025” reads like a who’s who, from the best of the best in healthcare.
These purpose driven professionals are leading the charge to create a healthier South Florida, not just for the Black community, but for the whole community.
The presence of these incredible healthcare leaders in South Florida carries importance at so many levels — patient care, health equity, cultural authenticity, community trust, institutional culture and business efficiency — all while looking ahead to steer broader systemic innovations.
Among this year’s esteemed honorees is Gainesville-born and Florida A&M University-educated Philoron Wright II, MHA, president of Memorial Regional Hospital South, who says that healthcare is his calling.
“When you have leadership that looks like the community, the trust of care increases, partnership increases and eventually the overall health of our community is better,” Wright said. “How will you make a difference — that’s the bigger theme.”
Over the past 20 years, Wright has ascended the corporate ladder by pairing his early experience as a clinician in respiratory therapy with his proficiency on the administrative side to create extraordinary results. Along the way, he discovered a natural affinity for global thinking and building and achieving long term strategic healthcare management goals.
A stickler for compassionate care, Wright insists that his team share his commitment — choosing healthcare not just as a paycheck, but as a purpose. His ongoing mission of mentorship and leadership coaching defines his legacy as he continues to elevate others into positions where they can uplift their communities.
Many of this year’s honorees have trajectories that took them from humble beginnings to the highest level of healthcare leadership. They also share a deep commitment to mentoring young healthcare professionals on their way up the complicated and robust healthcare industry.
Haitian-American Pierre Monice, MBA, president and CEO of Holy Cross Health, transitioned from pastoral ministry into healthcare because both are about healing and hope. He credits his service in the church for teaching him how to listen, support people, and lead with compassion. These are the lessons that guide him every day as a hospital CEO.
“Excellence speaks loudly, Monice said. “Your perspective is needed to shape the future of healthcare, which will be brighter if we keep equity at the center—and that’s the vision we’re building at Holy Cross.”
Modern technology issues like AI have posed some unique challenges in an industry that is literally “hands on.” “AI is changing healthcare fast—from predictive analytics to improving patient flow,” Monice explained, “but it can’t replace compassion. At Holy Cross, we see it as a tool to give clinicians more time with patients, while ensuring equity and fairness in how it’s used.”
Monice notes that representation still matters because there aren’t many Black CEOs in healthcare. Authenticity and resilience have helped Monice navigate those spaces and inspire others.
“Three things,” Monice reflected, “know your purpose, find mentors and sponsors who will advocate for you, and always stay prepared.”
Among others being honored are Blake Hall, MBA and Dr. Henri Ford, M.D.
Hall, president and CEO and Community Health of South Florida, Inc., said CHI has grown the organization by increasing revenues, expanding the agency’s community footprint, and programmatic reach, in addition to the legislative gains he has made while advocating for community health centers. Under his influence and leadership, CHI has seen additions of new health centers, capital improvements, and expansion of services and school-based sites.
Ford, a native of Haiti, serves as dean and Chief Academic Officer at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. A pediatric surgeon by training, Ford is responsible for academic strategy, curriculum, faculty development, and research leadership. His emphasis on health equity is attuned to underserved populations.
“Now, in my 8th year in this role, I am more energized and inspired than ever before” Ford shared. “Our researchers are making seminal scientific discoveries that are shaping the global health landscape as these get translated into novel clinical interventions.”
In December 2024, Ford was appointed to the Board of Commissioners of the Joint Commission, a position that gives him a platform to influence standards, policy, and accreditation practices nationwide.
“I am immensely proud of our researchers, clinicians, students, and trainees,” he shared. “Their dedication and achievements are transforming medicine today and shaping a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.”
The full list of honorees represent the present and future of medicine in South Florida. Their commitment to access, community involvement, equity, and compassion have reshaped how care is delivered and trusted.
