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Jackson leaders outline response after alleged foundation embezzlement; board approves four resolutions
Summary
Jackson Health leadership told the Public Health Trust Board of Trustees that federal authorities charged the former chief operating officer of the Jackson Health Foundation in an alleged embezzlement scheme. The board approved four resolutions on a slate, heard quality and fiscal updates, and recognized environmental and staff awards.
The Public Health Trust Board of Trustees heard details about a federal criminal investigation into the Jackson Health Foundation and approved four resolutions as a slate at a televised meeting.
David Zambrano, chief executive officer, told the board that federal authorities arrested the former chief operating officer of the Jackson Health Foundation and charged that person with multiple counts of wire fraud and money laundering tied to an alleged embezzlement scheme against Jackson. "The allegations of money stolen from our health system's foundations are egregious," Zambrano said. He added that Jackson had "fully cooperated with law enforcement" and that the organization has taken steps to strengthen controls and oversight.
The board chairman reported a closed-session credentialing matter earlier in the day in which the credentials committee recommended that a physician not receive privileges; the board voted unanimously with that recommendation. Counsel then presented four items for action: the 2025–2026 annual operating agreement with the University of Miami, the credentialing report, a tri-party agreement with the Penn Oliver Clinic and the Florida Department of Health, and the purchasing report. A single motion to approve all four resolutions carried on a voice vote with no opposition recorded.
Why it matters: The allegations involve charitable funds tied to Jackson's philanthropic arm and prompted organizational changes intended to strengthen oversight of donor funds. The board's approvals of operating and tri-party agreements and the credentialing action have direct operational and legal implications for Jackson's care delivery and partnerships.
Board and staff updates: Zambrano said Jackson brought the foundation "in house" to secure stronger oversight, reduce administrative costs and align philanthropic work with the health system's compliance and risk-management procedures. He said Jackson discovered misappropriation following a leadership restructuring, reported it to law enforcement and terminated employees believed to be involved. The system has implemented additional financial controls and expanded administrative oversight of the foundation.
The board also heard operational highlights: Lynn Rehabilitation, which includes the rehab center at Jackson North, ranked in the top 3 percent of hospitals nationally in the most recent U.S. News & World Report metrics cited by the board and reported a 96 percent patient-satisfaction score. Zambrano congratulated multiple Jackson hospitals on receiving Practice Green Health's Environmental Excellence awards, citing work to reduce waste, lower energy and water consumption, address chemicals of concern and prefer sustainable purchasing. He also recognized team members honored at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce 2025 Healthcare Hero Awards.
Fiscal report: Carmen Sabater presented a fiscal update showing year-to-date performance "almost 4 percent ahead of budget," and noted a seasonal increase in additional pay in April tied to spring break staffing. The board received a capital projects update and the regular purchasing report as part of the meeting record.
Votes at a glance: - Resolution 10a: 2025–2026 annual operating agreement with the University of Miami — Approved as part of a four-item slate (voice vote; no opposition recorded). - Resolution 10b: Credentialing report (including the closed-session denial of privileges for a physician) — Approved as part of the slate; credentialing denial reported as unanimous following the credentials committee recommendation. - Resolution 10c: Tri-party agreement with Penn Oliver Clinic and the Florida Department of Health — Approved as part of the slate. - Resolution 10d: Purchasing report (receipt/approval of purchasing items) — Approved as part of the slate.
The board adjourned after the votes. The board said it will continue to update the public as the federal investigation and any related administrative reviews proceed.
