Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO resigns

Rob Anderson, the CEO of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, has resigned his position, effective March 26.

Anderson, who took over April 21, 2025, submitted his resignation 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 served as the interim CEO between Andy Guz leaving the position to take over as CEO of Manatee Memorial Hospital in September of 2024, and the hiring of Anderson last April.

While Anderson's resignation was somewhat of a surprise, Reber said the hospital is 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," said Reber, who has worked for Universal Health Services for eight years. "I have had two children born at this hospital."

Reber said Universal Health Services, which has a corporate office in Pennsylvania, will begin the search immediately.

Lakewood Ranch Medical Center released a brief statement about Anderson's resignation:

"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."

In other news from the hospital, Patrick Wright has been named the new chair of Board of Governors.

A hospital release said Wright has served with the Board since July 2013. the release said, "Throughout his tenure, he has been a strong advocate for the hospital, supporting initiatives that advance quality care, expand services and strengthen the organization’s role in serving the Lakewood Ranch community and surrounding areas."

The hospital thanked the board's founding chair, Dr. Robert Hillstrom, for outstanding service and leadership since 2019. The release stated, "Dr. Hillstrom has provided steady guidance, thoughtful counsel and unwavering support to both hospital leadership and fellow board members. His contributions have played a significant role in shaping the governance structure and strategic direction of the organization during a critical period of growth and development."