Gnann named president, CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside
Ascension St. Vincent’s named Andrew Gnann president and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, effective Sept. 14.
Gnann had served as president of Ascension Seton Williamson in Central Texas. His appointment provides continuity in leadership and an understanding of Ascension’s mission and commitment to providing compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to people in need.
His new role continues a lifelong connection to the ministry. Gnann was born at a St. Vincent's hospital in Alabama and began his health care career within St. Vincent's.
Gnann will lead Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside while focusing on clinical excellence, associate and clinician engagement, strategic growth and expansion of quality care.
“Andrew brings extensive operational experience and an understanding of what it means to lead within Ascension,” said Scott Kashman, CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s Health System. “His experience leading teams and operations in multiple Ascension markets will allow him to step into this role with a strong foundation and focus immediately on the needs of the community.”
Gnann began his health care career as an administrative resident at Ascension St. Vincent’s East in Birmingham. He steadily advanced through leadership positions and eventually led the hospital as president.
Gnann completed his undergraduate bachelor’s degree at Trinity University in San Antonio and his graduate master’s degree in health care administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Cortés named assistant principal at PVPV Rawlings
Ruth E. Cortés is the new assistant principal at PVPV Rawlings Elementary School, joining Principal Jill Hillier and Assistant Principal Christi Thomas on the school’s administrative team.
Cortés has worked in the St. Johns County School District since 2014, serving as a Spanish teacher, dean of students and assistant principal. Her new role marks a return to Ponte Vedra, where she previously taught Spanish at Ponte Vedra High School.
“Ponte Vedra has always held a special place in my heart, and I am honored to be coming back home to serve at PVPV/Rawlings. I believe great schools thrive when people work together, serve one another and genuinely care for each other, and I look forward to growing and learning alongside our students, staff and families,” Cortés said.
Most recently, Cortés served as assistant principal at Landrum Middle School and Pine Island Academy. She previously served as dean of students at St. Augustine High School. Her experience spans grades K-12.
At PVPV Rawlings, Cortés is especially focused on students in grades three through five and preparing them for the transition to middle school. She emphasizes building student confidence, resilience and the skills needed for their next steps.
Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County names chief nursing, operating officer
Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County has named Donna Wagner its new chief nursing and operating officer. Wagner’s experience spans more than three decades, with an extensive background in nursing leadership, clinical operations, quality, patient experience and education.
“Donna brings an exceptional combination of nursing and operational leadership and a strong commitment to developing caregivers,” said Sean McAfee, President and CEO of Ascension St. Vincent’s St. Johns County.
Most recently, Wagner served as vice president of cardiovascular and critical care services at HCA Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, where she oversaw cardiovascular and critical care services.
She also brings extensive knowledge of St. Johns County and the local health care community. Before joining Memorial Hospital, Wagner spent more than a decade at Flagler Health Plus, serving in progressively responsible leadership roles across cardiovascular and critical care, quality, education and patient experience.
Wagner holds a master’s degree with a concentration in nursing education and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from St. Joseph’s University.
Davidson named event director of THE PLAYERS
The PGA Tour has announced that Jacob Davidson, a Jacksonville native and longtime golf industry executive, has been named event director of THE PLAYERS Championship, while Lee Smith has assumed an expanded leadership role as vice president, TPC Sawgrass and THE PLAYERS.
As event director, Davidson will oversee the day-to-day planning and execution of THE PLAYERS. In his new role, Smith will continue to provide strategic oversight of THE PLAYERS while adding responsibility for TPC Sawgrass. Across both properties, he will oversee club operations, agronomy, hospitality, capital projects and long-term planning.
“Bringing Jacob home to lead THE PLAYERS is an investment in the future of this championship,” said Smith. “His leadership, industry expertise and connection to this community will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve the championship. I’m excited to work alongside him as we continue raising the bar for our fans, players and partners.”
Davidson attended his first PLAYERS Championship as a 10-year-old in 1998 and later volunteered at the event while a student-athlete at the University of North Florida. He joins the PGA Tour after a decade with Callaway Golf, where he held a series of senior leadership roles across product strategy, athlete relations, tour operations and sports marketing. Most recently, Davidson served as vice president of product strategy and product marketing, overseeing the strategic direction and commercialization of Callaway's equipment portfolio.
Brown appointed CEO for Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida
The Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida (NPC) has announced the appointment of Callan Brown as chief executive officer, following her service as interim CEO and nearly a decade of leadership with the organization. In her new role, Brown will lead the Nonprofit Center’s expanded focus on strengthening the infrastructure, leadership and long-term sustainability of Northeast Florida’s nonprofit sector.
Brown assumes the permanent position as the Nonprofit Center advances its 2026-2029 strategic plan, a three-phase roadmap focused on innovation in nonprofit services, leadership development, regional advocacy and long-term financial sustainability. The organization currently serves 350 members nonprofits across seven counties.
Brown has played an integral role in the Nonprofit Center’s evolution over the last decade, advancing through senior leadership positions and most recently serving as senior vice president of development, partnerships and operations before being named interim CEO in July. Before joining the Nonprofit Center in 2016, she served as program director for Take Stock in Children Clay County at the YMCA of Florida’s First Coast and began her nonprofit career through AmeriCorps service. Brown holds a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree in art history and museum studies from Florida State University.
Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville promotes Richardson
Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville has announced the promotion of Chrigi Richardson to housekeeping manager.
Richardson joined Ronald McDonald House Jacksonville in October 2025 as a guest relations associate and quickly demonstrated strong initiative, leadership and a genuine commitment to the families served by the organization. Her experience in guest relations has given her valuable knowledge of operations and a strong understanding of the family experience.
In her new role, Richardson will oversee the daily operations of the housekeeping department, including team leadership, scheduling, training, room readiness, supplies and cleanliness standards. She will also work closely with other departments to help ensure families have a welcoming and comfortable environment throughout their stay.
Webber elected president of the Developing Artists Foundation Board
The Developing Artists Foundation Board of Directors has announced the election of a new president, Dr. Gary Lee Webber.
The 1990 graduate of Douglas Anderson School of Arts (DA) has served as a board member for the DA Foundation since 2024. He and his wife Sheri Leonard Webber have raised four children who also graduated from the school. His election as DA Foundation president brings his journey full circle — from student, to parent and now a leading supporter of arts education and opportunities in Northeast Florida.
A native of Dayton, Ohio, Webber grew up in Jacksonville and earned a degree in music education from Jacksonville University. Webber has further honed his creative practice at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining and Theatre Jacksonville. His credits include “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Les Miserables,” “The Sound of Music” and “My Fair Lady.”
Webber serves as senior pastor of Aspire Church San Marco, a role he has held since 2008.
Webber’s leadership of the DA Foundation coincides with a season of growth. DA welcomed 1,060 students in August.
— Compiled by Shaun Ryan
