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Fort Walton Beach Medical Center names new CEO

HCA Healthcare announced the appointment of Zach McCluskey as the new Chief Executive Officer of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, effective December 6, 2021.  In his new role, McCluskey will […]

HCA Healthcare announced the appointment of Zach McCluskey as the new Chief Executive Officer of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, effective December 6, 2021. 

  • In his new role, McCluskey will oversee the growing 267-bed hospital which has served the Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties for more than 45 years.

McCluskey will assume leadership from Mitch Mongell, a 25-year veteran of HCA Healthcare, after a nationwide search commenced for the new CEO after Mongell announced his retirement earlier in the year.

A native of Richmond, Virginia, McCluskey has more than 15 years of healthcare leadership experience within the HCA Healthcare system, following a career in critical care nursing.

  • McCluskey most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of HCA Healthcare’s Johnston-Willis Hospital, a 292-bed facility and campus of CJW Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia.

“I am honored to join the HCA Healthcare North Florida Division and become CEO of Fort Walton Beach Medical Center,” said Zach McCluskey, incoming Chief Executive Officer, Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. “Mitch and his team have made great strides building strong community relationships and the hospital is consistently recognized as a top general hospital for excellence in quality care and patient safety.”

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“Fire Services took the most impactful hit in my view.”
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“Why are our schools , especially high schools not getting good grades??? It’s very disappointing!!! We need new leadership!”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: July 1, 2026
“1:05, 3 attempts. Way lucky on this one!”
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“Seems like Crestview took the hit in regard to cuts. Why are our projects less important OR are our representatives asleep while others get their funds?????”
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Joe P Skelly, M.S., L.M.H.C. commented on Bridgeway Center honors Larry McFarland for 40 years of service
“Larry, hard to believe that 4 decades have passed since you began this journey. As always, your compassion emerges as a beacon for us all.”
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Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: June 30, 2026
“0.19, 3 attempts. Got lucky!”
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“Think about how much could’ve been done with the $84m the state spent on a few acres of sand on Holiday Isle. What a boondoggle!”
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Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 30, 2026
“1:32”
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“Outrageous! Now tell us the real story, major owners names, listing and selling agents, and who is the purchaser...why was this left out? Which ones are relatives of the mayor...”
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