TAMPA – October 29, 2026 -- John Couris, president and CEO of Florida Health Sciences Center | Tampa General Hospital (TGH), earned a place on Florida Trend's 2026 "Florida 500" list for the sixth consecutive year, and four other TGH-linked leaders joined him on the list.
The other honorees are Board Chair Blake Casper (CEO of Caspers Company), Vice Chair and Corporate Secretary Gregory Celestan (president of Celestar, LLC), and Immediate Past Board and Governance Chair Drew Graham (managing partner of Ballast Point Ventures). Jennifer Crabtree, president of the Tampa Medical & Research District (TMRD) and a TGH senior vice president, is the fifth. The list covers more than 60 business categories. Florida Trend editors select honorees through independent research and interviews, and advertising plays no role.
Couris has built TGH into a statewide academic system with more than 30 affiliates
Couris became president and CEO in 2017. Working with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, he has expanded Tampa General into a statewide academic health system that includes the hospital and more than 30 affiliated organizations. His collaborations include Mass General Brigham, Palantir Technologies, GE HealthCare, Shields Health Innovations and Lifepoint Health.
He also launched TGH Ventures, a corporate venture fund focused on emerging health care technologies. Tampa General uses artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and connected care as a testing ground for scalable health care solutions.
In January 2026, the White House appointed Couris to the HHS Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services. He also serves on the Florida Health Care Innovation Council.
TMRD projects $8.3 billion in annual economic impact and nearly 58,000 jobs
Couris championed the creation of the Tampa Medical & Research District, which is projected to generate more than $8.3 billion in annual economic impact and support nearly 58,000 Florida jobs. Crabtree has served as its inaugural president since October 2025. The district is anchored by Tampa General Hospital, the University of South Florida and the University of Tampa.
Crabtree is responsible for establishing TMRD's operating structure, leading its Advisory Committee, aligning anchor institutions and community partners, and advancing business development and investment opportunities. She previously served as chief of staff to the president and CEO, and she leads corporate communications across the health system.
Three board members add business, investment and defense experience to TGH governance
Casper guides the board's governance and strategic stewardship. Celestan contributes experience from the defense and intelligence sectors. Graham brings an investment and growth perspective from Ballast Point Ventures. The three work with executive leadership on TGH's statewide expansion, innovation and research investments, and strategic partnerships.
Casper said the board is proud of Couris's sixth consecutive recognition and credited the group with expanding access to academic medicine and accelerating innovation.
U.S. News ranks Tampa General No. 1 in Tampa Bay for an 11th straight year
Tampa General has held the No. 1 hospital ranking in Tampa Bay from U.S. News & World Report for 11 consecutive years and has been named one of Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals for eight years. In the 2026-2027 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings, five TGH specialties placed among the nation's top 50, and two more ranked in the top 10% of U.S. hospital programs.