Q&A WITH ED JIMENEZ— AND BARBARA LONG STRAYHORN
CEO executive assistant reflects on career and retirement
UF Health Shands CEO Ed Jimenez is recognizing his long-time executive assistant Barbara Long Strayhorn, who recently retired after 36 years with the organization.
Strayhorn worked in the UF College of Business Administration before joining what was then Shands Hospital. She first worked with Wayne Tharp, C.P.A., in planning and finance for the hospital system. She then was executive assistant to the chief operating officer, Jodi Mansfield. She became Jimenez’s assistant when he was COO and then when he was appointed CEO. During her tenure, she helped support several executives and five hospital CEOS — John Ives; Paul Metts; Richard Gaintner, M.D.; Tim Goldfarb and Jimenez.
Jimenez praised his partner-in-crime of nine years.
“We’ve developed the type of bond that transcends work. She knows what I’m thinking before I think it,” he explains. “She manages it all. She can keep me in line and I listen to her because she’s so insightful.”
She brings in desserts he loves (“And I don’t even have a sweet tooth!”), but he said her superpower is being a mentor and adviser in her own right.
“Among the hospital’s senior team members and executive administrative staff, she’s been a leader and has made a tremendous impact. She is also so patient, kind and a great person. We are going to miss her.”
He asked us to turn the questions to her.
Barb, what have you enjoyed about your long career here?
My big regret is not coming sooner to join the health system! I really like the work and have so many great memories. When I was new, I worked on the hospital bond issuance process for finance and got to work closely with Joyce Smith (retired former CEO executive assistant). I was Jodi’s executive assistant for about 20 years and now I’ve been with Ed for about a decade.
It worked out here for me because of how everything changes … I got to see so much growth and feel part of it. We went from being a single hospital to a multiple hospital system — and nothing has slowed down! I’ve liked all our CEOs and executives, and the hardest part was when they left after you’d known them so long.
What’s kept you with this organization?
It’s like a family here. That’s why it’s been so hard for me to leave, even though I’m ready to retire. I spend as much time here as I do at home. It’s an exciting place! But I’m ready to spend more time with my husband, Mike, our three kids and our (seven) grandkids.
Ed is only three days younger than my son. I feel like I know him well — he’s energetic and ‘predictably unpredictable’ and keeps things interesting. He has lots of ideas, says, “Make it happen!” and leaves me to figure things out. I have stayed flexible, I’ve grown and I’ve enjoyed it.
Tell us something about our executive team that you want to share.
They all want the right thing for our patients and employees. They really have people’s best interests at heart. They can’t make everyone happy but they work hard trying. They always do their best for our staff.
Come on, Barb. We really want some intel about Ed …
As for funny things, well … What’s interesting is he comes in the door and we look at each other and nod or shake our heads and often don’t need to say much. And he’s never in a bad mood! He’s good at reading other people. He’s naturally energetic. And … he likes banana pudding. And he likes the brownies I make and bring in. If there are leftovers, he’ll take them home, so sometimes I make extra for him.
That’s more like it. One last question. What’s been your biggest inspiration?
Going into the hospitals, seeing how hard our doctors and nurses work. The way they work together … To me, they are all underappreciated! Everyone here, everyone … they work so hard. And how the CEO and leaders keep everything going. I don’t know how they do it. UF Health is growing and it’s amazing how it’s not slowing down. This place keeps blossoming.
We congratulate and thank you, Barb, for being such a special colleague and for all your contributions over the years!
