Capital Hospital announces Dale Neely as chief executive officer

Tallahassee, FL – HCA Florida Capital Hospital announces the appointment of Dale Neely as chief executive officer. This is a return to Tallahassee for Neely, who served for five years as chief operating officer at HCA Florida Capital Hospital from 2007-2012.

In his new role, Neely will oversee the 288-bed, full-service acute care hospital, outpatient centers and affiliated freestanding emergency rooms: HCA Florida Southwood Emergency, HCA Florida Lake Jackson Emergency, and HCA Florida Gadsden Emergency.

“Dale brings more than 20 years of healthcare leadership experience and a proven track record in driving operational excellence and quality,” said Brian Cook, president, HCA Healthcare – North Florida Division. “A dedicated leader who has served in several key roles across HCA Healthcare, Dale’s expertise will be invaluable in advancing innovation in patient care. His return “back home” to Tallahassee will help ensure we continue to deliver the very best care possible at HCA Florida Capital Hospital.”

Neely joins HCA Florida Capital Hospital from Memorial Satilla Health, part of HCA Healthcare’s South Atlantic Division, where he has served as CEO since 2023. Under Neely’s leadership, the hospital underwent strong growth and an increase in employee engagement and patient satisfaction. 

Neely also served as the CEO of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital in Tallahassee from 2012 – 2023. During his tenure, he was responsible for overseeing a $20 million expansion of the facility, growth in inpatient volume, and the expansion of the medical staff. Neely also placed a strong emphasis on employee engagement and as a result, the hospital was ranked in the top 10 companywide. 

Neely served as the chief operating officer (COO), ethics and compliance officer, and chief staffing officer at HCA Florida Capital Hospital from 2007-2012. During his tenure, he successfully oversaw growth and development of a wide range of services, including bariatric services, cardiovascular services, imaging services, and rehabilitation services.

Prior to service at HCA Florida Capital Hospital, Neely held leadership roles at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Georgia, and Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia, where he provided oversight to numerous service lines, launched an ethics and compliance program, and was involved in strategic growth initiatives across multiple facilities.

“It is an honor to have been chosen to lead and to return to HCA Florida Capital Hospital and its exceptional care team,” said Neely. “We have exciting and important work ahead. I have a deep affection for Tallahassee and the community and we will continue to elevate the standard of excellence in healthcare for the Big Bend Region and beyond.”

‌Dale holds a Master of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Tennessee.