Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO resigns

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Rob Anderson has resigned his position — less than a year into his tenure. His resignation is effective March 26.

Anderson's departure comes as the hospital gets ready to open its new $120 million, 170,000-square-foot tower expansion with a ribbon-cutting March 24.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center COO Philip Reber has been appointed interim CEO as parent company Universal Health Services begins a search for the next chief executive.

Reber was interim CEO between Andy Guz leaving the position to take over as CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital in September 2024 and the hiring of Anderson last April.

While Anderson's resignation was somewhat of a surprise, Reber says the hospital remains excited about the ribbon cutting, which unveils a building that will increase the hospital's capacity by 60 beds while enhancing the capacity for intensive care, cardiology, and neurological services,

Construction on the addition began in 2024 and it has been overseen by Reber, who lives in Lakewood Ranch.

"I've been in this community since 2018 and I have a personal connection here," says Reber, who has worked for Universal Health Services for eight years. "I have had two children born at this hospital."

Reber says suburban Philadelphia based-Universal Health Services will begin the search for a new CEO immediately.

"We are grateful for Rob’s leadership, and we appreciate his commitment to improving the health status of the people of Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding areas. We wish him much success in his future endeavors," the hospital says in a statement. 

In other news from the hospital, Patrick Wright has been named the new board chair. Wright has served with the board since July 2013, the hospital says.