HCA Florida West Hospital announced the appointment of Karl Leistikow as its new chief executive officer, bringing decades of healthcare leadership experience to the Pensacola-area medical facility. Leistikow will oversee operations at the 515-bed hospital, which provides comprehensive medical and surgical acute care, rehabilitation services, mental health care, and manages four affiliated emergency rooms throughout the region.
Brian Cook, president of HCA Healthcare North Florida Division, praised Leistikow’s selection: “Karl has a great track record of leadership with HCA Healthcare and a wealth of development and operational experience. His commitment to elevating his team, strengthening engagement and providing exceptional quality of care to his community will be invaluable at this pivotal time for growth at HCA Florida West Hospital.”
Recent Success
Before joining HCA Florida West Hospital, Leistikow served as CEO of Physicians Regional Medical Center in Naples. Under his leadership, the facility achieved gains in quality of care while expanding services to include a new neurosurgery program and enhanced cardiology, orthopedics, and breast and colorectal health programs. His recruitment efforts also proved successful, adding more than 50 healthcare providers to the team over the past year.
HCA Healthcare Experience
Leistikow brings 17 years of experience within the HCA Healthcare system, having served in leadership roles across the South Atlantic and Continental Divisions, as well as the Physician Services Group. His most recent HCA role was chief operating officer at Swedish Medical Center in Colorado, where he spearheaded over $300 million in growth and expansion initiatives, including new patient towers, surgical services, and specialized units.
His portfolio also includes successful tenures at Summerville Medical Center in South Carolina and Trident Medical Center in Charleston, where he helped implement trauma programs and expand emergency services.
Leistikow holds an MBA and Master of Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, plus a biology degree from Ripon College, providing him with both business acumen and healthcare expertise to lead HCA Florida West Hospital’s continued growth.