BayCare's Ever-Expanding Presence

Stephanie D. Conners, an experienced health care leader who began her career as a nurse, is now BayCare Health System’s chief executive officer and president, the fourth person to hold the role for West Central Florida’s largest not-for-profit health care provider. 

Conners, 51, succeeds Tommy Inzina, 64, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Today’s milestone comes six weeks after Conners officially joined BayCare to work with Inzina on the transition. Since then, she has visited more than 50 BayCare sites and met with thousands of BayCare team members to learn more about the system.

“I knew BayCare was among the nation’s best health care systems and now my experience on the ground makes clear why,” Conners said. “Our leaders’ and team members’ commitment to their patients, their providers and the entire community is palpable: They truly care. Together, we will build BayCare’s next great chapter.”

Conners has maintained her nursing license throughout her career and qualified in Florida in October. Her first role in management was as a patient services director and then she became a chief nursing officer. She later added operations to her portfolio and helped lead several high-quality health care systems, both not-for-profit and for- profit, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Conners’ most recent role was as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Jefferson Health, a large, not-for-profit health care system based in Philadelphia. Throughout her career, she has built a reputation as an inspiring leader and collaborator committed to health care delivery with the highest standards of clinical excellence, compassion, safety, service, and engagement.  

Conners holds a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and an MBA from Eastern University. She and her husband, Timothy Conners, have four children ranging in age from 14 to 26, and one grandchild. 

Prior to founding Aberdeen Advisory, Emery earned his business and financial expertise as a banker, corporate advisor, and president of several companies. He rapidly rose through the ranks at Bank South, and later Merrill Lynch, before becoming an entrepreneur. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Washington and Lee University.

Almost as passionate as he is about helping people sell their business, Emery is also a strong believer in giving back to the community. He is an active member of Leadership Tampa Bay and serves on the Board of Directors of the St. Anthony’s Hospital Foundation and ACG Tampa Bay.

From the typical transaction to the highly complex deal, Emery has repeatedly been recognized as a leading Mergers and Acquisitions executive in the Florida market and is well known throughout the South for his ability to connect ideal buyers with sellers. His primary industry focus has been on healthcare, manufacturing, distribution, and business services, but he’s always looking for new opportunities.

Decades of Successful Transactions

Emery created a six-step plan to guide business owners toward a successful merger or acquisition. He specializes in representing companies with annual revenues in the $10-100 million or more range with owners who wish to sell within one to two years.

But, Emery doesn’t do it alone. He accounts most of Aberdeen’s success to the men and women who make up his advisors team. They’re accomplished in negotiations, valuations, marketing, business development, financial analysis, and management.

While the industry average for a successful business sale is typically around 20%, Aberdeen Advisors produce an impressive 83% success ratio. Their connections and decades of experience are key to helping you get the highest price for your business.