SARASOTA, Fla. (July 30, 2025) - Sarasota Memorial Health Care System (SMH) ranks among the top 3% of "America's Best Employers for Women 2025," according to a report released today by Forbes and Statista. SMH was also highlighted as a featured company in the report.
Sarasota County’s only community-owned hospital, SMH ranked #22 out of 700 companies spotlighted in Forbes’ 2025 list of “America’s Best Employers for Women.”
Sarasota Memorial CEO David Verinder noted that women, in particular, have played a foundational role in the creation of the county's first hospital in 1925, and have continued to influence the extensive scope and high quality of care SMH has delivered through the decades. From the grassroots efforts of local women's groups who championed its founding and expansion, to the leadership of female healthcare professionals, administrators, and volunteers, women have been instrumental in shaping SMH into the nationally recognized institution it is today.
"As SMH celebrates its centennial this year we are especially grateful for the recognition of the exceptional culture at SMH," Verinder said. "People are our greatest asset, and we are a better organization because of the different perspectives, collaborative ideas and problem-solving approaches each member has brought to our team for 100 years."
Today, women make up 76% of SMH’s 10,000-plus employees, and 73% of its leadership roles, according to Laurie Bennett, vice president of Human Resources.
To determine the nation's Best Employers for Women, Forbes, in collaboration with Statista, surveyed more than 140,000 women working for companies with at least 1,000 employees. Those surveyed provided feedback on their employer's culture, opportunities for career development, salaries and benefits and other working conditions.
In addition to placing #22 overall, SMH placed #9 in the healthcare sector.
Bennett also noted that SMH has a 92% overall employee retention rate, which is critical amidst a national shortage of healthcare workers.
"Maintaining a great workplace is about supporting your staff's professional development, giving them the tools and opportunities they need to grow, while also recognizing the ever-growing importance of work-life balance," Bennett said. "This recognition is a reflection of the ongoing commitment this organization places on building and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment, where the SMH staff can lead, grow and thrive."
To see the full list from Forbes, and the article highlighting SMH as a featured company, click here.
For information about careers at SMH, visit smh.com/careers.
About Sarasota Memorial Health Care System
Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center offering Southwest Florida’s greatest breadth and depth of care, with 2,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and nearly 2 million patient visits a year across its network of care. Sarasota County’s largest employer, the community-owned health system includes two full-service hospitals in Sarasota and Venice, freestanding ERs in North Port and Lakewood Ranch, a rehabilitation hospital, behavioral health hospital, skilled nursing facility and comprehensive network of outpatient centers, urgent care clinics and physician practices. Founded in 1925, SMH is celebrating its 100-year anniversary in 2025 and encouraging community members to visit smh.com/100 throughout the year for centennial events and updates.