Yhovana Gordon, DNP, EdD, APRN, FNP-BC, associate professor of clinical and director of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies, has been named chair of the Board of Trustees at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital.
The appointment marks the latest leadership milestone for Gordon, an advanced practice registered nurse, educator and academic administrator whose career has spanned clinical practice, nursing education and service to the South Florida community. Gordon joined HCA Florida Kendall Hospital’s Board of Trustees in 2023 and was appointed vice chair in 2025. Her recent selection as chair marks the latest development in her leadership trajectory with the Board.
“I am deeply honored to serve as chair of the HCA Florida Kendall Hospital Board of Trustees,” said Gordon. “I am grateful for the mentorship and support of Dean Hudson Santos and my colleagues at the School of Nursing and Health Studies, as well as my longtime mentor, Dr. Divina Grossman, the first nurse to chair the Board in the mid-2000s, and Dr. Ora Strickland, whose recommendation led to my initial appointment as a trustee. Their leadership and confidence in me have shaped my journey and make this honor especially meaningful. I look forward to representing the University of Miami and working with the hospital’s leadership to advance high-quality care for our community."
Gordon brings extensive academic and clinical leadership experience to the role. She joined the School of Nursing and Health Studies in September 2024 as director of its Family Nurse Practitioner Program and associate professor of clinical. Previously, she served in a series of leadership positions at Florida International University, including associate dean of academic affairs, graduate nursing chair and Doctor of Nursing Practice program director.
Her relationship with HCA and Kendall Hospital extends across different stages of her career. Gordon worked at what was then Kendall Regional Medical Center in nursing and childbirth education roles early in her clinical career. More recently, she helped develop nursing education initiatives supported by HCA Healthcare, including a $1.5 million initiative to increase the number of diverse nurses and nurse educators.
As chair of the Board of Trustees, Gordon will contribute her perspective as a nurse practitioner, educator and health care leader to the hospital’s governance. HCA Florida Kendall Hospital emphasizes experienced health care leadership and improving the quality of care provided to meet the needs of the community it serves.
“I see this opportunity as another way to connect nursing leadership, education and service,” Gordon said. “Preparing the next generation of advanced practice nurses and helping strengthen the health of the communities we serve are closely connected responsibilities, and I am excited to contribute to both through this role.”
