Health care firm hires patient-focused executive

TAMPA — Former Assurant vice president Thomas Linton has been named chief patient empowerment office at Laser Spine Institute, a Tampa company that specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery.

In the newly created role, Linton will oversee the firm's patient-facing staff members who are critical to the patient experience, according to a statement. He will also have authority over employees who serve as liaisons with physicians in local markets.

According to the press release, Linton has also held leadership positions at AT&T, Bank of America and General Electric. Prior to joining Laser Spine Institute, he served as vice president of customer experience at Assurant, a Fortune 500 insurance company.