The Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board has elected former Army Sergeant and community leader Kevin Cooper as its new Chair.
Cooper, who serves as a Vice President at Mote Marine Laboratory, was nominated for the position by newly elected Board Secretary Pam Beitlich. His selection reflects broad confidence in his leadership and experience in both the business and nonprofit sectors.
“It’s an honor to serve as Chairman and to help guide an institution that consistently sets the standard for excellence in patient care,” Cooper said in a statement. “Sarasota Memorial has earned national recognition because of the dedication of its physicians, nurses, and staff, and my focus will be on supporting their work and strengthening the trust this community places in us every day.”
Under Cooper’s leadership, the Board will continue efforts to sustain the hospital’s top-tier performance. Sarasota Memorial recently ranked No. 6 in Florida on Newsweek’s 2025 America’s Best-in-State Hospitals list, the only hospital in Southwest Florida to earn a spot on the list.
Before beginning his career in community leadership, Cooper served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a convoy security operator supporting U.S. Marines in Fallujah and throughout Al Anbar province. He received a battlefield promotion to sergeant and several commendations, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award.
Cooper earned his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University and a Master of Business Administration from Florida State University. He lives in Sarasota County with his wife, Missy, their two children, Violet and Cohen, and their rescue dog, Ruby.
He was first elected to the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board in 2024.
