West Palm Beach - December 2025

10 W E S T PA L M B E A C H | D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5 A shley Vertuno’s leadership journey didn’t begin in a boardroom, it began on the soccer fields of Richmond, Virginia. From a young age, she learned the value of discipline, coaching, and team dynamics. These weren’t just childhood lessons; they became the foundation of a leadership style rooted in clarity, consistency, and performance. “Sports taught me how to lead and how to follow,” Ashley reflects. “They showed me that great outcomes come from trust, effort, and alignment.” Throughout her career, Ashley has translated that competitive mindset into results-driven leadership across the healthcare industry. But beyond the metrics, she’s known for creating a culture where people feel valued, empowered, and challenged to grow. “My job isn’t just to deliver numbers, it’s to develop people, to unlock potential, and to build teams of teams,” she says. When she stepped into the CEO role at HCA Florida JFK North Hospital in 2020, Ashley saw more than an organization in flux, she saw a hospital strategically positioned in one of Florida’s fastest-growing communities. From her first day, her focus was clear: invest in people, optimize operations, and align services to meet evolving needs. “When I stepped into this role, I saw not just a hospital, but long- term potential to transform care and strengthen the community.“ Under her leadership, the hospital has expanded key service lines, including orthopedics, spine, and vascular care, laying the groundwork for operational excellence. Most recently, Ashley led the successful launch of dedicated women’s surgical services, including Gynecology and Gynecology oncology, responding to a long-recognized gap in the community. “Women’s health had been underserved for too long. We knew it was time to invest and create something meaningful,” she says. In 2023, Ashley spearheaded the development of the region’s first psychiatry residency program, now in it’s second year. “We’re not just treating today’s needs, we’re investing in the future of care,” she says. Ashley’s influence extends well beyond clinical programs. She is a passionate advocate for education and community engagement. As a board member of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, she has opened doors for local students to explore healthcare careers through mentoring, shadowing, and real-world exposure. “You can’t be what you can’t see. It’s important for students to meet leaders who look like them, who believe in them, and who show them the path forward.” Her ability to inspire and mobilize is evident in her community partnerships. Ashley has led strategic collaborations with the American Heart Association, the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, and NAMI, and she has twice chaired Go Red for Women in Palm Beach County. “Partnerships should be purposeful,” she explains. “It’s not about logos or checks, it’s about showing up, educating families, and creating lasting impact.” Ashley Vertuno FROM COMPETITOR TO CULTURE BUILDER PROFILES OF LEADERSHIP COVER FEATURE – By Dan Hauser – - Photos by by Neil Cohen Photography and Ashley Vertuno -