GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Geoffrey (Geoff) K. Gardner, CPA, has been named executive vice president and system chief financial officer of the UF Health clinical enterprise.

A financial executive with more than 20 years of experience in health care leadership, financial management, financial analysis, and process improvement, Gardner will join the organization Dec. 1 from Novant Health Inc., where he recently served as the interim chief financial officer.

Since 2009, he has taken on progressive responsibility at Novant — a $9 billion system based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina that includes 17 acute care facilities, a 3,000-provider medical group with over 500 practice locations, and numerous other ambulatory outpatient surgery, imaging, and infusion sites — including as senior vice president, finance & revenue cycle. Earlier in his career, he held a number of other finance and business development positions, primarily in health care.
“UF Health has secured its position as a preeminent health system that positively impacts health care outcomes for our patients and our communities,” said Stephen J. Motew, MD, MHA, FACS, president and system CEO of UF Health. “As we continue to build on our strong track record of clinical excellence, Geoff’s extensive experience and strategic vision will be instrumental in guiding our financial operations and supporting our continued growth.

“Working collaboratively with our health system leaders across our various regions, Geoff will play a key role in ensuring we remain agile, innovative, and focused on long-term success.”

Gardner will provide guidance to leadership on broader health system initiatives, including advising and supporting the senior leadership team on strategic and operational opportunities as UF Health evaluates opportunities for strategic growth.

In addition, as CFO he will enhance the role strategic finance plays in developing new capabilities, while also ensuring standardization and accurate reporting capabilities are embedded within the organization. Gardner will lead efforts to formulate and implement new revenue streams and maximize reimbursement, along with leading business planning and funding strategies for all major capital projects and general funds flow across the enterprise.

He also will help guide operational excellence and performance improvement activities and look for ways to enhance overall efficiencies through benchmarking and standardization. Examples include ensuring financial rigor and seamless coordination around the development of business plans, pro formats, and growth-related activities.

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