Ed Daech named UF Health system chief human resources officer

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Ed Daech has been promoted to the new system-level role of chief human resources officer for the UF Health clinical enterprise, effective Oct. 1.

In this position, Daech will serve as an integral member of the executive leadership team, responsible for shaping and executing forward-thinking human resources strategies that drive organizational success in a highly competitive health care environment.

“As a strategic partner to me and other senior leaders, Ed will ensure UF Health’s people strategies are aligned with our mission as a leader in patient care, research, and education,” said Stephen J. Motew, M.D., M.H.A., FACS, president and system CEO of UF Health.

A seasoned executive, Daech has had a strong track record of modernizing HR operations since he joined UF Health in January 2023 as senior vice president and chief human resources officer. He also has had success advancing the integration of HR functions across the multi-hospital system, implementing process improvement strategies and enhancing operational efficiencies, and achieving cost savings.

In addition, Daech has created and implemented a talent acquisition strategy across all UF Health locations, including a systemwide applicant tracking system and a standardized recruitment process. Improvements in recruitment and retention have resulted in significant reductions in turnover and in the use of contract labor.

As system CHRO, he will continue to lead efforts to attract and retain a high-performing workforce in the midst of a highly competitive labor market and champion next-generation workforce strategies and succession planning, overseeing system HR operations, including employment, performance management, compensation and benefits, employee relations, talent development, and occupational health. Additionally, Daech will continue to implement business processes and technology platforms that support the delivery of efficient and effective HR services and achieve economies of scale.

Prior to joining UF Health, Daech served as chief human resources officer at Saint Peter’s Healthcare System in New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he led efforts to support a health system merger, among other accomplishments. He also spent nearly nine years with Ascension Health, serving as regional vice president for human resources, among other key HR roles during his tenure. He also held several other leadership positions in the health care sector as well as in food service and manufacturing.

Daech holds a bachelor’s in workforce education and development from Southern Illinois University and an MBA from North Central College in Illinois.

“His extensive experience with organizational design will be especially helpful as we collaboratively guide cultural transformation and enhance employee engagement across the UF Health clinical system,” Motew said. “He is a tremendous asset to our team and I look forward to working with him to shape the future of our human resources efforts in support of our sustained growth.”