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Fort Walton Beach Medical Center CEO set to retire

After serving more than 40 years in healthcare, Mitch Mongell, CEO at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, has announced his retirement effective later this year. He and the Fort Walton Beach […]

Mitch Mongell, CEO at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center

After serving more than 40 years in healthcare, Mitch Mongell, CEO at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, has announced his retirement effective later this year.

He and the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center team have been very successful at growing the hospital’s capacity to care for the Northwest Florida community.

“We are grateful for Mitch’s leadership and his 25 years of service to HCA Healthcare, and wish him the very best in his retirement,” said Richard Hammett, President, HCA Healthcare North Florida Division. “A national search is underway for his successor.”

Mitch joined the Fort Walton Beach Medical Center in 2013, and through his leadership has facilitated the hospital’s growth through new and expanded services and sites of care. Mitch’s main accomplishments while at Fort Walton Beach Medical Center:

  • Expansion of the impatient rehabilitation facility in Destin
  • Two free standing ERs in Destin and Navarre
  • Full renovation of the main hospital ER
  • Construction of a new two-story patient tower, which will provide 42 new beds, a new supply warehouse, dietary kitchen and cafeteria, and a new four-floor parking garage to the facility.

He has also led his team through times of crisis, from managing the impacts of the pandemic to serving in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. He was named the Destin Chamber’s 2019 Business Person of the Year and the following year, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center was named the 2020 Corporate Business of the Year.

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Community Comments

“My question is, how did the medications get in the building. Meaning who brought them in and under what circumstances? As a former employee of the program, I know that...”
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Patty commented on WordroW: April 3, 2026
“1 min. 15 sec”
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“Who are the providers for the facility?”
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Joe commented on WordroW: April 3, 2026
“3min 33sec”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 3, 2026
“4 min 27 sec”
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“Use part of the $5million to remove the docks that are in an already overcrowded harbor.”
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“Fire hydrants are color coded for the rate of water flow measured in gallons per minute (GPM). Seems like painting the hydrants in artistic color designs would mess up this...”
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“Isn't that going to make that area of waterway too crowded during tourist season ? As is already is!”
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Michael L. Cobb commented on WordroW: April 1, 2026
“1 min 36 sec”
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“Who authorized the building of the docks?”
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