Florida Health Sciences Center | Tampa General’s John Couris Named One of Becker’s Hospital Review’s Academic Medical Center CEOs to Know for 2026

Couris is recognized for his leadership in transforming Tampa General into a statewide integrated academic health system, expanding access to world-class care and advancing innovation across the organization.

Tampa, FL (Oct. 22, 2026) – John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center, an academic health system comprised of more than 30 affiliated organizations, including Tampa General Hospital (TGH) has been named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “95 Academic Medical Center CEOs to Know” for 2026. The recognition honors Couris among a select group of leaders guiding some of the nation’s leading academic medical centers and shaping the future of healthcare.

Academic health systems play a distinct role in the nation’s healthcare system, bringing together highly complex patient care, consequential medical research and the education and training of the next generation of the healthcare workforce. According to Becker’s, the CEOs recognized on this year’s list demonstrate the clinical vision, research acumen, academic leadership and operational command required to lead these complex institutions while redefining what is possible at the highest levels of medicine.

“John has a bold vision for what an academic health system can and should be, and he has translated that vision into meaningful results for our patients, providers, team members and the communities we serve,” said Drew Graham, immediate past chair of the Tampa General Hospital Board of Directors. “Under his leadership, Tampa General has grown in both size, footprint and impact while remaining focused on what matters most — delivering exceptional care backed by the power of academic medicine, advancing innovation and research and training the next generation of healthcare professionals. This recognition is a testament to John’s leadership and the culture of excellence he has built across our organization.”

Since becoming president and CEO in 2017, Couris has led the transformation of Florida Health Sciences Center | Tampa General into one of the country’s leading academic health systems. Today, the system includes Tampa General Hospital and more than 30 affiliated organizations recognized for excellence in quality, innovation, technology and culture. Through its longstanding academic partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and as the university’s primary teaching hospital, Tampa General brings together clinical care, education, research, and innovation to improve outcomes and expand access to academic medicine.

Couris has accelerated growth, quality, safety and patient outcomes through strategic collaborations with Mass General Brigham, Palantir Technologies, GE HealthCare, Shields Health Innovations and Lifepoint Health. He has also positioned Tampa General among the nation’s most technology-enabled health systems through investments in artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and connected care, while advancing emerging health care technologies through TGH Ventures.

Couris has also advanced a new approach to nutrition and patient experience grounded in the belief that food is medicine. In partnership with Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakarian, Tampa General reimagined its hospital dining program around fresh, nutrient-dense foods that support healing and long-term wellness. The work earned national recognition, including the Joint Commission’s inaugural Healthcare Innovation Award, and Tampa General became the first hospital in the nation to sign the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Make Hospital Food Healthy Again pledge.

Couris’ leadership also extends to economic development, academic medicine and organizational culture. He leads the Tampa Medical & Research District, which unites health care, academia, research and industry, and created the AKTiVe leadership framework centered on authenticity, kindness, transparency and vulnerability. During his tenure, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Tampa General the No. 1 hospital in Tampa Bay for 11 consecutive years.

“Academic health systems have an extraordinary opportunity and responsibility to shape what comes next in healthcare,” said Couris. “This recognition belongs to the 15,000 team members and providers across Tampa General who come to work every day determined to challenge the status quo and find a better way to care for our patients. Together with our academic partners at USF Health and collaborators across the country, we are building a premier health system that advances medicine through innovation, research and education while ensuring more people have access to world-class care. I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished and am even more excited about where we are headed.”

Becker’s Hospital Review is a leading source of business and legal news, analysis and information for healthcare leaders and decision-makers, covering issues ranging from hospital and health system strategy and leadership to finance, health IT and clinical care. Becker’s Healthcare developed its 2026 “Academic Medical Center CEOs to Know” list based on nominations and editorial research. Leaders do not pay and cannot pay for inclusion, and honorees are presented alphabetically.

Couris and the complete list of this year’s Becker’s Hospital Review “95 Academic Medical Center CEOs to Know” are profiled online here.