FORT WALTON BEACH, Florida–December 5, 2023—After leading the region's largest, independent physician group for more than 21 years, Chief Executive Officer Alan Gieseman has announced his retirement. During his tenure, Gieseman has worked with the organization’s physician owners and leaders to expand access to health care for tens of thousands of locals and visitors in a three-county region. He has helped the group successfully navigate the radical changes in the business of health care and serve throughout the pandemic.
"I moved here more than 20-years ago to live at the beach. I thought I would work for a couple of years and retire. I didn’t expect to be so impressed with the community and the physician leadership and culture of White-Wilson,” said White-Wilson Chief Executive Officer Alan Gieseman. “We have had our fair share of challenges, but I am proud that we have stayed true to the core values established more than 77 years ago and that we have been able to adapt and expand to meet the need for quality health care for more and more people. Closing this chapter is bittersweet for me, but I plan to continue supporting White-Wilson’s leadership teams and look forward to seeing the impact that this important organization is going to have on the region."
While Gieseman is respected among his colleagues as a dedicated and effective leader, his professional recognitions include national awards such as the Medical Practice Executive of the Year by the Medical Group Management Association and local recognitions including Member of the Year by the Greater Fort Walton Chamber of Commerce and Business Person of the year by the Destin Chamber of Commerce. He has been greatly involved in his community, serving on several boards of directors.
Replacing Gieseman is Dr. Kenneth Persaud. Persaud is both a physician and seasoned healthcare leader who has worked with White-Wilson Medical Center on a variety of initiatives and now as Chief Executive Officer.
"Mr. Gieseman has been a visionary leader and true community servant. He is surely going to be missed, but there is no doubt that he has helped position White-Wilson for a successful future and many decades of continued service,” noted White-Wilson Medical Center President Dr. Chris Dali. “By passing the baton to Dr. Persaud, we will continue to stand as a physician-owned and physician-led organization committed to finding ways to improve health outcomes for our patients, find success in today’s challenging business environment and meet our area’s growing needs."
Founded as a localized physician practice in 1946, White-Wilson Medical Center has a long history of providing award-winning health care to the region. It is currently home to more than 90 health care providers and one of Okaloosa County’s ten largest employers.
White-Wilson Medical Center is a multi-specialty physician group serving Florida's Emerald Coast for over 77 years. WWMC is home to your community's largest team of physicians, collaborating for your good health in more than 20 different specialties. With locations in Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, DeFuniak Springs, Destin, Niceville and Navarre, White-Wilson provides a range of health care services to fit most needs. White-Wilson employs state-of-the-art technology, coupled with skilled and experienced providers, friendly and caring staff, and the convenience of "one-stop" shopping. Visit www.white-wilson.com for a list of specialties and services.
