Abacoa & Alton Neighbors - April 2026

A P R I L 2 0 2 6 | A B A C O A & A LT O N N E I G H B O R S 9 – By Dan Hauser - - Photo by Neil Cohen Photography – McPhail emphasizes that building a successful hospital requires more than operational expertise—it requires a culture grounded in trust and shared responsibility. “Integrity is my foremost leadership value,” she added. “It means doing the right thing, taking ownership, and being willing to ask for help when needed. No matter your title, trust is the foundation of any successful mission.” That collaborative spirit is particularly important when launching a new healthcare facility, where every department—from finance and nursing to administration and patient services— must work together seamlessly. While Chief Financial Officer Jermaine Bucknor is responsible for ensuring the hospital’s financial structure supports both immediate operations and long-term sustainability, Bucknor views his role as extending far beyond numbers and budgets. “Leadership embodies the ability to influence, be selfless, be resilient, be accountable, be a visionary, and be intentional,” Bucknor said. “Consistently demonstrating integrity, trust, and professionalism.” For Bucknor, leadership also means setting the tone for accountability across the organization. “That accountability starts with me and that it is important to treat others with respect and kindness,” he added. In building the hospital’s financial framework, Bucknor is focused on transparency, collaboration, and mentorship—qualities he believes are essential to developing the next generation of leaders within healthcare. “I inspire through example, mentoring, and coaching. Being transparent and sharing my journey.” While operational and financial leadership shape the hospital’s foundation, the clinical culture will ultimately define the patient experience. That responsibility falls largely to Chief Nursing Officer Kim Jarrell, who oversees the nursing staff and broader clinical care environment. Jarrell believes the heart of healthcare leadership lies in service. “Leadership is often framed in terms of vision, strategy, or influence,” she said. “While these elements are extremely important, I believe the true essence of leadership lies in something far more fundamental: serving those you lead.” T he opening of a new hospital is more than the launch of a building—it is the beginning of a mission. At the Alan B. Miller Medical Center, that mission is being shaped by a leadership team with decades of combined experience and a shared commitment to patient-centered care. Leading the effort are CEO Gina Melby, COO Maryjo McPhail, CFO Jermaine Bucknor, and Chief Nursing Officer Kim Jarrell. Together, the four executives are guiding the development of the hospital’s culture, operations, and long-term vision as the facility prepares to serve the growing healthcare needs of Palm Beach County. For Melby, the significance of the project extends well beyond the walls of the hospital itself. “The Alan B. Miller Medical Center represents the next chapter in a long-standing legacy of providing exceptional, patient-centered care,” she said. “Named after Alan B. Miller, the visionary founder and executive chairman of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), the medical center carries forward a tradition built over decades—rooted in clinical excellence, innovation, and community partnership.” The hospital will bring a broad range of services to the region, including emergency medicine, advanced imaging, critical care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences and stroke care, women’s health services, and robotic surgery. As Palm Beach County continues to grow, the leadership team sees the new facility as an important investment in the future of community healthcare. “Our focus is on delivering integrated, compassionate care supported by highly trained physicians, nurses, and clinical teams,” Melby explained. While Melby provides the strategic vision, COO Maryjo McPhail plays a central role in transforming that vision into operational reality. From facility planning to staffing and systems integration, McPhail is responsible for ensuring the hospital functions smoothly from day one. For her, that means creating the conditions that allow teams to perform at their best, something defined by her leadership qualities. “Leadership is the ability to influence, inspire, and support others toward a shared vision and mission,” McPhail said. “It means setting a clear direction, removing barriers, and creating an environment where people can collaborate, contribute their best work, and feel confident in the path forward.” For Jarrell, supporting nurses and caregivers is the most effective way to ensure high-quality patient care. “It is the commitment to serve those who follow, nurturing their potential and guiding them through challenges,” she explained. “When leaders lead with care, they not only achieve their goals but also cultivate a culture of loyalty, resilience, and shared purpose.” Her perspective has been shaped by mentors who emphasized humility as a core leadership trait. “One of the earliest and most influential moments in my leadership journey was hearing Milton Johnson speak at an executive development meeting, where he emphasized that humility is the key attribute of a true leader,” Jarrell said. That lesson continues to guide her approach today. “Authentic leadership is rooted in humility, empathy, and active listening. By understanding and valuing the perspectives of others, I foster trust and collaboration— two essential elements for inspiring teams and driving meaningful results.” Despite their different roles, the four leaders share a common philosophy about what it takes to not just build a successful healthcare institution, but a culture as well. “When leaders lead with care, they not only achieve their goals but also cultivate a culture of loyalty, resilience, and shared purpose,” Jarrell said. McPhail echoes that sentiment, noting that strong leadership is measured not only by outcomes but by the development of people. “Nothing is more rewarding than watching a team member pursue a stretch goal or earn a promotion,” she said. “I often say, ‘It’s wonderful to watch the babies fly from the nest and reach new heights.’” As the Alan B. Miller Medical Center prepares to open its doors, the collective focus remains clear: deliver exceptional patient care, support the healthcare professionals who make that care possible, and strengthen the health and well-being of the broader community. And with the leadership team in place, the Alan B. Miller Medical Center is preparing to become an important new pillar of healthcare in Palm Beach County.