Hubel appointed president of Baptist Medical Center Clay

Ed Hubel, FACHE, is returning to his roots in Clay County to serve as hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Clay, effective Monday, Dec. 18. Hubel has been serving as interim president of Baptist Clay since mid-June.

Hubel joined Baptist Health in 1996 and has been hospital president of Baptist Medical Center Nassau since 2016. Hubel has been overseeing both community hospitals for the past five months. Under his leadership, Baptist Nassau has received an A rating in patient safety 12 consecutive times and is a 5-star rated hospital by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“Ed’s health care experience and humble leadership style make him the perfect fit for Baptist Clay, our newest community hospital,” said Matthew A. Zuino, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Baptist Health. “We know Ed’s compassion and experience will enable the outstanding Baptist Clay team to deliver the best possible care and experience to the community.”

Baptist Medical Center Clay opened on Fleming Island in December 2022 with 101 patient rooms, a 20-room maternity center, a Neonatal Intensive Care Center, advanced heart care and top-ranked cancer care provided by Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center. Baptist Clay Medical Campus opened in 2013 as a Baptist Health/Wolfson Children’s Emergency & Imaging Center.

Hubel has served in numerous roles at Baptist Health, including assistant administrator of operations, administrator of surgical services, director of patient care operations and service line lead for Baptist Health Orthopedics.

Prior to health care, Hubel was in the aviation industry and received a Bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He also holds a Master of Science in health care administration from Columbia Southern University. He is board-certified and a fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives.

Hubel and his wife, Kristie, currently reside in Fernandina Beach, and plan to move back to Clay County next year. Hubel is passionate about servant leadership, his faith and community.

“I am overwhelmingly grateful to be appointed to this position,” said Hubel. “Having grown up in Orange Park, Clay County holds a special place in my heart. I have seen this special community grow and change through the years, and I look forward to continuing to provide the amazing care Baptist Health is known for in Northeast Florida.”

Zuino will serve as interim hospital president for Baptist Nassau as a search is conducted in 2024.