AdventHealth Apopka CEO Parker Pridgen Resigns for Family Move to California

2100 Ocoee Apopka Road, Apopka, Florida, USA - Parker Pridgen, the CEO of AdventHealth Apopka, recently announced his resignation, effective in August. In his statement, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community and highlighted the positive impacts of the partnerships formed during his tenure. Though the exact date of his final day hasn’t been specified, he aims for a seamless transition to whoever will take the reins next. Alongside this change, Pridgen and his family are set to relocate to California to be closer to relatives. His leadership role at AdventHealth Apopka began on September 25, 2022, following notable positions as CFO and COO at both AdventHealth Central Texas and AdventHealth Rollins Brook.

Pridgen’s impressive academic credentials include an MBA from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Walla Walla University. Under his leadership, AdventHealth Apopka not only grew, adding 38 inpatient beds and 800 new parking spaces in 2024 but also garnered national recognition for safety and quality. He takes pride in these accomplishments and feels optimistic about the hospital’s future as it continues to evolve.

A Transition in Leadership

Pridgen’s departure coincides with a broader reorganization within AdventHealth, which operates 50 hospital campuses across nine states. This restructuring is aimed at enhancing leadership effectiveness across its facilities, ensuring that the healthcare provider is well-equipped to address community needs.

Recently, AdventHealth introduced several executive appointments as part of this initiative. Ryan Quattlebaum has been named the president and CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, effective December 29, transitioning from his prior role at AdventHealth North Pinellas. Meanwhile, Erik Wangsness takes on the presidency of AdventHealth Tampa and Nick Bejarano has stepped in as the president and CEO of AdventHealth Manchester, both effective December 15. This strategic shift reflects AdventHealth’s commitment to strengthening its leadership pipeline and improving patient care.

What Lies Ahead

As AdventHealth Apopka prepares for a new chapter without Pridgen, the organization remains focused on its mission to serve its patients and the local community effectively. The new facility at 2100 Ocoee Apopka Road, which opened in December 2017 after over 40 years at the former location, features 120 private inpatient rooms and a spacious 30,000-square-foot emergency department. Such infrastructural advancements give the hospital a solid foundation for the future.

In reflecting on his journey, Pridgen stated that he is proud of what he has accomplished during his time at AdventHealth Apopka and believes in the hospital’s promising path forward. As the community prepares to bid farewell to a familiar leader, the hope is that the next appointment will continue to drive the hospital toward excellence in care and community service.