OKEECHOBEE — During the April 21 Okeechobee City Council meeting, HCA Raulerson Hospital’s new Chief Executive Officer, Alex Masmela was introduced and told the council members a little bit about himself.

Originally from New York, Masmela has been a Florida resident for 21 years. He said he has worked at multiple hospitals as an executive on different levels including on the director level. He began his career as an EMT, working on a private ambulance and even did some volunteer service for 911. He also served as an ER nurse and as a trauma nurse.

“I enjoyed that. I could still do it with my eyes closed,” he said. “It’s one of those things I miss, and I will still get hands on if I need to.”

After leaving this behind, he became an ER director and began growing his career as an executive. Serving as COO in three different facilities for HCA before being appointed at Raulerson as CEO.

With a background in construction and design, he strives to grow every hospital where he has served. “My plan for Raulerson and for Okeechobee is to continue to grow and keep up with the growth that is coming.” He went on to elaborate about new lives coming to the Okeechobee community, and each of those lives could need hospital care at some point.

“Raulerson should be the hospital of choice in the area,” he said.

Former CEO Brian Melear retired after almost 27 years of service to Raulerson Hospital, and Masmela was installed on March 30.

“I will agree with you. We have a wonderful staff, and they make us look good,” said Mayor Dowling Watford.