Key Points:
- Carlos Migoya to step down as Jackson Health CEO after nearly 15 years.
- David Zambrana, current COO, was unanimously appointed as successor effective June 1.
- Leadership transition highlights stability, internal succession, and continued growth for the health system.
Jackson Health System’s long-serving CEO, Carlos Migoya, is stepping down after leading one of the nation’s largest public health systems for nearly 15 years. Migoya announced his decision during the monthly meeting of the Public Health Trust, the governing body overseeing the Miami-Dade public hospital network.
Successor David Zambrana to Take the Helm
Carlos Migoya’s successor will be David Zambrana, Jackson’s current president and chief operating officer, who has worked alongside Migoya for over six years. The board unanimously appointed Zambrana as the future CEO, bypassing a national search due to his experience within the health system and knowledge of the South Florida community. Zambrana officially assumes the CEO role on June 1.
Migoya emphasized that finding the right successor was among the most important responsibilities of a CEO. “Jackson is a very complex system, and the biggest legacy of a CEO is to identify the right person to succeed them,” he said. Carlos Migoya praised Zambrana as the most prepared leader in the system’s 107-year history, receiving a standing ovation from board members and staff.
Leadership Legacy and Continued Involvement
Zambrana, a registered nurse with a doctor of nursing practice degree, began his career at Jackson Memorial Hospital, working in cardiac surgery, trauma, and pediatric intensive care units. He returned to Jackson in 2016 after serving as chief executive at a neighboring hospital. As COO, he has overseen operational initiatives and will now lead a workforce of more than 15,200 employees.
Zambrana expressed pride and honor at his new role, citing his decades-long connection to Jackson. “The magnitude of this moment is not lost on me. I will uphold Jackson’s mission as a place of hope and healing for all,” he said.
Migoya, who guided Jackson through financial challenges and system transformations, will remain CEO through the end of May and continue contributing in an advisory role. His leadership has been recognized for team building, strategic vision, and operational improvements, particularly during critical periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his tenure, Carlos Migoya implemented reforms to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and attract top medical professionals. His efforts earned high praise during his most recent performance review, where he received perfect scores from all board members.
The transition also coincides with planned compensation adjustments. Carlos Migoya received a competitive pay raise in 2025, and his base salary will increase to $1.44 million before he steps down. Zambrana has yet to finalize the terms of his CEO contract.
Migoya reflected on his career at Jackson, noting that his priority has always been to ensure continuity and strong leadership for the health system. “Ever since I got here, my number one job has been to find the right replacement for me,” he said.
Jackson Health’s leadership change marks a significant milestone for the system, emphasizing stability and internal succession planning while positioning Zambrana to continue the organization’s mission and growth.
