In the Public Eye: Jim Wilson

Jim Wilson was 16 years old the first time a man’s life was in his hands.

The Illinois native was a volunteer with one of the local fire departments when his crew got a call that would change Wilson’s life forever. A truck driver had collapsed at a nearby gas station, and in the freezing cold Wilson and his two mentors worked to save the man's life, to no avail.

Now nearly 30 years later, Wilson has a new task at hand — running the Lakewood Ranch Medical Center as its CEO. Wilson assumed the post in 2008.

However, Wilson is no stranger to hard work and dedication. About eight years ago, Wilson placed himself on a strict diet, hit the gym and dropped 60 pounds.

Upon graduating from high school and earning his state license as an emergency medical technician, Wilson worked in the emergency room while attending college at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.

Wilson envisioned becoming a doctor, but while at Creighton, he discovered a passion for business and earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He then went on to earn his master’s degree in health administration from Regis University in Denver.

After working as an auditor for the Office of the Inspector General, Wilson returned to the health-care industry, working for Hospital Corporation of America, for which he held several positions, including chief financial officer of Palms West Hospital in West Palm Beach.

He later held the same post for Community Health Systems and was named the interim CEO at Pottstown Memorial Hospital in Pennsylvania before serving as CEO of Central Montgomery Medical Center.

When he’s not busy working, Wilson enjoys spending time with his wife Moira, daughter Alexis and son Brandon. He also enjoys biking, cooking, cruising and watching the Philadelphia Eagles play.

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].