BayCare and Florida Blue have a new agreement! Learn more: KeepBayCare.org
Gail Ryder, vice president of behavioral health at BayCare Health System, has been named the Florida Hospital Association’s (FHA) Health Care Leader of the Year, recognizing her transformative impact on behavioral health care across West Central Florida. The award was announced at the FHA’s annual meeting on Oct. 9.
With more than three decades of experience, Ryder has led BayCare’s behavioral health division to become the region’s largest provider of mental health and addiction services. Her strategic leadership has expanded access to care, improved patient outcomes and elevated the standard of behavioral health services throughout the Tampa Bay area.
“Hospital leaders across Florida are strong forces for innovative health care, transforming how care is delivered,” said Mary C. Mayhew, president and CEO of FHA. “Gail Ryder is a visionary leader in advancing behavioral health across Florida communities.”
Under Ryder’s direction, BayCare launched a multi-year expansion plan to address a critical shortage of behavioral health providers. The initiative added more than 65 clinicians and approximately two dozen psychiatric beds across the health system. She also spearheaded BayCare’s Behavioral Health Integration program, embedding mental health services into primary care settings to promote early intervention and reduce stigma.
Earlier this year, Ryder led the opening of Florida’s first behavioral health urgent care center, a pioneering facility that offers immediate support to individuals in crisis and bridges the gap between emergency and outpatient care.
Ryder’s influence extends beyond BayCare. She has built strong partnerships with law enforcement, schools and government agencies to address community mental health needs. Her team collaborates with the U.S. Marshals Service to provide behavioral health support to children affected by human trafficking and violent crime.
She also led BayCare’s acquisition of Northside Behavioral Health Center, preserving essential community services, and has secured veteran-focused funding for more than a decade, supporting care navigation and residential treatment for military service members.
“Gail is a tireless advocate for mental health policy reform,” said Lou Galdieri, BayCare’s chief administrative officer. “Her work with local and state leaders to secure funding, improve access and reduce stigma has led to real improvements in services that help countless individuals and families. She’s transformed behavioral health at BayCare and inspired broader change across the health care landscape.”
In recognition of her enduring commitment, Ryder received the 2024 David Pizzo Life of Service Award from Live Tampa Bay, an organization whose mission is to drastically reduce opioid deaths in our community. She continues to champion community education through mental health first aid training, public awareness campaigns and outreach programs that have reached tens of thousands of Floridians.
Within BayCare, Ryder is known for her mentorship and collaborative spirit, fostering a culture of excellence and compassion. Her leadership continues to inspire positive change across the health care industry and the communities she serves.
Learn more: BayCare’s behavioral health services
