Stephen J. Parsons, CFRE, has been named chief executive officer for Baptist Health South Florida Foundation. The foundation oversees fundraising activities for Baptist Health, the largest not-for-profit healthcare organization in the region. It includes Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children’s Hospital, South Miami Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute and Baptist Outpatient Services.
“Stephen has proven his ability to bring together volunteer leadership and philanthropic support to benefit Baptist Health,” said George Foyo, executive vice president and chief administrative officer of Baptist Health. “Under his competent guidance, the foundation will continue to achieve its mission of improving our community’s health and well-being through advances in technology, patient care and education.”
A certified fundraising executive, Mr. Parsons joined the Baptist Health Foundation in 1997. He was named vice president and chief development officer for the Foundation in 2004, with responsibility for overall fundraising and major gifts, the Corporate Partners program and the Founders Society.
Before joining Baptist Health, he was chief development officer at the American Red Cross of Greater Miami and the Keys. Mr. Parsons also founded Performing Arts for Community & Education (P.A.C.E.), a non-profit performing arts organization, serving as executive director for 12 years. He is an accomplished musician, having performed as a percussionist with the Miami Philharmonic, the Greater Miami Opera Orchestra, Miami Ballet Orchestra and the Fort Lauderdale Symphony.
Mr. Parsons is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Music. A South Miami resident, he is married and has three children.
Mr. Parsons succeeds Robert Baal, who headed the Foundation for 17 years. Mr. Baal is now Baptist Health ambassador for the foundation, focusing primarily on the relationship with the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo.