RT

Robert Thornton

Robert Thornton, CPA


Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, UF Health



Professional Overview
Robert Thornton is a seasoned financial executive with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at UF Health, he is responsible for overseeing the organization's financial operations, strategic planning, and business development initiatives. Thornton's expertise spans financial management, strategic analysis, and operational optimization, making him a valuable asset to the UF Health leadership team.

Experience Summary

Current Role
Thornton has served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at UF Health since July 2023. In this role, he is responsible for managing the organization's $2.8 billion annual budget, implementing cost-saving measures, and optimizing financial performance. Under his leadership, UF Health has achieved a 5% reduction in operational expenses and a 10% increase in revenue over the past year.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Thornton held several senior-level finance positions within the healthcare sector. He served as the Vice President of Finance at UF Health from 2016 to 2023, where he played a crucial role in implementing financial strategies that enhanced the organization's profitability and operational efficiency. Before joining UF Health, Thornton held the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, and he also worked as a consultant at Patronus Healthcare Business Solutions.

Academic Background
Thornton holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Florida and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He has also completed executive leadership programs at Harvard Business School and Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Areas of Expertise
  • Financial management and reporting

  • Strategic planning and business development

  • Operational optimization and cost reduction

  • Healthcare industry regulations and compliance

  • Mergers, acquisitions, and integration

  • Team leadership and talent development


Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Thornton has demonstrated a strong track record of driving financial and operational excellence within the healthcare industry. He has led the successful integration of multiple hospital systems, implemented innovative cost-saving initiatives, and spearheaded the development of data-driven decision-making processes. Thornton's contributions have been recognized by industry peers, and he has been invited to speak at several national healthcare conferences.

Conclusion
With his extensive experience, financial acumen, and strategic vision, Robert Thornton is poised to make a significant impact as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at UF Health. His ability to navigate complex financial challenges, drive operational efficiency, and align organizational goals with financial performance makes him a valuable leader within the healthcare industry.