Inducted: 2018
Auburndale Senior High Graduate, 1975
Joel L. Thomas is the president and CEO of the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation, where he has the honor of representing the Board of Trustees in its mission to improve and advance patient care for the citizens of Polk County.
Mr. Thomas helped to facilitate the Florida State University College of Medicine Family Medicine Residency Program at Winter Haven Hospital, establish the hospital's new multi-specialty clinic in southeast Winter Haven, and secure major financial support for the area's nursing training programs.
Mr. Thomas is the author of numerous healthcare-related professional articles and has presented his writing and research at the national and state levels.
Mr. Thomas has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels as an adjunct instructor and has served on numerous boards for civic and professional organizations.
Mr. Thomas has a bachelor's degree from Florida State University, a master's degree from Rollins College,and a Master of Business Administration/Health Administration from the Florida Institute of Technology.