News

Life Sciences

Mayo Clinic Selects CEO To Focus on Research and Education

Mayo Clinic Jacksonville has announced its next leader.

Kent Thielen, currently the chair of Mayo Clinic’s Midwest Department of Radiology, will serve as the next CEO of the hospital system’s Florida campus.

Thielen succeeds Gianrico Farrugia, who will leave his position at the Jacksonville campus at the end of the year to serve as president and CEO of the entire Mayo health system. Farrugia spent four years in the role.

Thielen plans to focus on advancing the Florida campus’ research and education programs. Specifically, he wants to see more clinical studies take place at the Jacksonville facilities. To do so, he said, the campus must attract top research talent by investing in new facilities, infrastructure upgrades and new technology.

“You can have the greatest technology in the world, but if you don’t have the right staff… you’re not going to go far,” Thielen said.

He said he will continue building on the foundation that Farrugia established before he left. During Farrugia’s tenure, Mayo has invested close to $500 million in new facilities. Some projects, such as a $106 million addition to the Mayo North building, are still in the works.

“Dr. Thielen is an exceptional and proven leader who brings a wealth of experience to the position and a steadfast commitment to Mayo Clinic’s mission, values and culture,” Samuel Di Piazza, chair of the Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees, said in a prepared statement. “He has a bold and strategic vision for the way Mayo Clinic will use innovation to further improve patient care and advance Mayo’s leadership in medical education and research.”

More information can be found in an article by the Jacksonville Business Journal.