Brian E. Keeley, President & Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health South Florida, announced his plan to retire in 2022 after 50 years of service with the giant healthcare system.

Keeley, who was responsible for turning the faith-based, not-for-profit healthcare network into the region’s largest healthcare organization, has served the hospital since 1969 when he began his career as an administrative resident. After serving four years as an officer of the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps, he was named Assistant Administrator of the hospital in 1973, Chief Operating Officer in 1979, and CEO in 1986. He oversaw Baptist Hospital’s mergers with South Miami Hospital and Homestead Hospital in 1995, subsequently becoming the President and CEO of the newly formed Baptist Health South Florida.

Keely will remain CEO until he officially retires in 2022.

“It has been my privilege and honor to serve our community alongside some of the most dedicated, compassionate, and brilliant people that I have ever met. Our people are what make Baptist Health so special, and I know they will carry our organization into the future and continue to work tirelessly to care for our patients, families, and each other,” said Keeley. “I’d like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the nearly 24,000 Baptist Health employees, 4,000 physicians, Board members, supporters and volunteers who give the best of themselves daily in support of our important mission.”

Keeley was instrumental in the health system’s massive growth — which now includes 11 hospitals and 100 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Under his leadership, Baptist Health has become the largest and most preferred healthcare organization in the region with an operating budget of $4 billion, providing $380 million in charity care and community benefit last year.

Keeley was also responsible in turning Baptist Health into the 100 Best Companies to Work For by Fortune magazine; one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute; and achieving top ranking in U.S. News & World Report year after year.

“Under Brian’s leadership, Baptist Health has grown into a world-class healthcare organization attracting top talent and providing our South Florida communities with exceptional care,” said Baptist Health Board of Trustees Chair, James Carr. “Brian is a true visionary who has elevated healthcare in our community through his servant leadership and his steadfast commitment to this organization and our people.”

Succeeding Keely will be Albert “Bo” Boulenger, current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, who has already taken over the day-to-day operations after Baptist Health’s board unanimously selected Boulenger.

Boulenger began his career with Baptist Health in 1985 at South Miami Hospital. In 1994, he was named CEO of Homestead Hospital, and in 2006 he became CEO of Baptist Hospital. In 2018, he assumed his current role as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Health.

“Every day, the men and women of Baptist Health take on some of the greatest challenges in our industry and the world—this past year was no exception. Their selfless service to our patients and communities is a source of tremendous pride and inspiration to me. I am honored to serve them and our mission to help people live the healthiest lives possible,” said Boulenger.

As part of the transition, Keeley will continue his CEO role, shifting his efforts to long-term strategy, mergers and acquisitions, philanthropy, innovation, board development, and education and recruitment until his retirement.