Altamonte Springs, Florida – AdventHealth has announced the appointment of Brett Waress, MHA, FACMPE, as the new Vice President of Strategy and Service Lines for AdventHealth Hendersonville in North Carolina and AdventHealth Polk in Columbus, North Carolina. The move, effective February 5, 2026, signals a strategic investment in expanding access to care and strengthening key clinical service lines within the health system. This appointment comes as AdventHealth continues to focus on its mission of providing whole-person care, addressing the physical, mental and spiritual needs of the communities it serves.
Waress brings over 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership to his new role. His career includes significant tenures at prominent institutions such as Tampa General Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Florida, and the University of North Carolina. According to a press release, his expertise in program growth and partnership development will be instrumental in supporting AdventHealth’s commitment to clinically excellent and compassionate care. The appointment underscores AdventHealth’s dedication to proactive healthcare strategies and community-focused initiatives.
Expanding Access and Strengthening Service Lines
In his capacity as Vice President, Waress will be responsible for guiding the growth of critical clinical service lines at both AdventHealth Hendersonville and AdventHealth Polk. This includes identifying opportunities for service expansion, fostering collaboration between departments, and ensuring alignment with the unique healthcare needs of the surrounding communities. AdventHealth, a faith-based health system, emphasizes its commitment to extending its healing ministry through integrated health care services. hconews.com reports that Waress’s role will specifically focus on strengthening access to care for residents in western North Carolina.
The focus on expanding access to care is particularly relevant in rural areas like Hendersonville and Polk County. These communities often face challenges related to healthcare accessibility, including limited specialist availability and transportation barriers. Waress’s experience in network operations, as highlighted by ZoomInfo, suggests a strategic approach to overcoming these obstacles through innovative partnerships and service delivery models.
A Proven Healthcare Leader
Prior to joining AdventHealth, Waress served as Vice President of Oncology and Network Operations at Tampa General Hospital in Florida. He also held the position of Vice President of Tampa General Provider Network. His leadership at Tampa General involved overseeing complex oncology programs and building robust networks of care providers. This experience is expected to be directly applicable to his new role at AdventHealth, where he will be tasked with developing and implementing strategies to enhance cancer care services and expand access to specialized treatments.
Before his time at Tampa General, Waress held senior leadership positions at Cleveland Clinic Florida and the University of North Carolina. At Cleveland Clinic Florida, he served as a Senior Director of Operations, gaining valuable experience in managing large-scale healthcare operations and improving patient outcomes. His tenure at the University of North Carolina provided him with a strong foundation in academic medicine and a deep understanding of the evolving healthcare landscape. His diverse background demonstrates a consistent track record of success in driving growth, improving quality, and fostering collaboration within complex healthcare organizations.
AdventHealth’s Commitment to Whole-Person Care
AdventHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Tryon expressed confidence in Waress’s ability to contribute to the health system’s mission. “Waress’s background in program growth and partnership development positions him to support clinically excellent, compassionate care,” Tryon stated. This emphasis on compassionate care aligns with AdventHealth’s core values and its commitment to treating patients as whole individuals, addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Waress himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join AdventHealth. “I am grateful to join a mission-driven organization committed to whole-person care that addresses body, mind and spirit,” he said. This sentiment reflects a shared vision between Waress and AdventHealth, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare that goes beyond simply treating illness to promoting overall well-being. AdventHealth’s focus on whole-person care is increasingly recognized as a critical component of effective healthcare delivery, particularly in addressing the complex health challenges facing communities today.
The Role of Strategy and Service Lines
The position of Vice President of Strategy and Service Lines is a crucial one within AdventHealth. It requires a deep understanding of market trends, competitive dynamics, and the evolving needs of patients. The role involves developing and implementing strategic plans to ensure that AdventHealth remains at the forefront of healthcare innovation and continues to provide high-quality, accessible care. Becker’s Hospital Review highlights that this role is central to overseeing growth across key clinical areas.
Service lines represent specific areas of medical expertise, such as cardiology, oncology, or orthopedics. By focusing on strengthening these service lines, AdventHealth aims to provide patients with comprehensive, specialized care that meets their individual needs. Waress’s experience in oncology, particularly his leadership at Tampa General Hospital’s oncology program, will be invaluable in this regard. He will be responsible for ensuring that AdventHealth’s cancer care services are aligned with the latest advancements in treatment and research.
Looking Ahead
The appointment of Brett Waress marks a significant step forward for AdventHealth Hendersonville and AdventHealth Polk. His leadership and expertise are expected to drive growth, enhance access to care, and strengthen the health system’s commitment to whole-person care. As Waress settles into his new role, stakeholders will be closely watching for the implementation of new strategies and initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of the communities served by AdventHealth.
AdventHealth has not yet announced specific plans for new service line expansions or initiatives under Waress’s leadership. However, the health system’s ongoing commitment to innovation and community engagement suggests that further developments are likely in the coming months. The focus will likely be on addressing the most pressing healthcare needs of the region and leveraging technology to improve care delivery. The next update from AdventHealth regarding strategic initiatives is anticipated in the third quarter of 2026.
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