Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, which operates a freestanding emergency room and outpatient campus on University Parkway in Lakewood Ranch, ranked as Florida's No. 1 employer for women on Forbes' 2026 "America's Best Employers for Women" list released Monday, Aug. 10.
The community-owned health system placed 28th nationally among 700 employers across all industries and eighth among U.S. health care organizations, according to the health system's announcement.
Women make up 75% of Sarasota Memorial's more than 11,000 employees and hold 73% of its leadership positions across hospitals, physician practices and outpatient centers throughout the region.
"This recognition reflects the commitment of our entire organization to creating a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered to grow," Laurie Bennett, vice president of human resources, said in the announcement. "Women play an essential role in every aspect of our health system."
Forbes Surveyed More Than 146,000 Women for Rankings
Forbes compiled the rankings in partnership with market research firm Statista, surveying more than 146,000 women working for U.S. companies with at least 1,000 employees. The methodology incorporated more than 4 million employer evaluations collected over three years, scoring companies on five factors: career advancement opportunities, pay equity and benefits, workplace culture, parental leave and family support, and representation in leadership.
Lakewood Ranch ER Serves 50,000 Patients Annually
Sarasota Memorial's ER at 7250 University Parkway in the Waterside village area opened Jan. 7, 2025, as a 15,000-square-foot, 21-room facility staffed around the clock by board-certified emergency medicine physicians, according to the Herald-Tribune. The campus also offers outpatient radiology and laboratory services and was projected at opening to serve more than 50,000 patients a year.
Eight Nurses Earned Doctorates While Working Full Time
The health system pointed to onsite childcare, professional development programs, leadership training and wellness resources as part of its support for employees. Eight nurses, all women, earned Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from Florida State University College of Nursing while working full time at Sarasota Memorial. The graduates include Nicole McClain, Georgina Farrell, Lisa Hinds, Susan Fallis, Katie Williams, Rebecca Feeley, Katrin Diana and Cindy Taylor.
Second Forbes Honor This Year, With a Third Hospital in the Works
The Forbes honor marks the second time this year the magazine has recognized Sarasota Memorial as a top employer. In June, Forbes named the health system one of America's Best Employers for New Grads, ranking it in the top 10 nationally in health care and second among all Florida employers. "Our team is committed to providing new graduates with the mentorship, educational resources and opportunities they need to develop their skills, advance their careers and deliver exceptional care to our patients and our community," Bennett said at the time of that June recognition.
Sarasota County's largest employer, Sarasota Memorial is also building a third hospital in North Port to add to its full-service campuses in Sarasota and Venice.
