Heart Hospital of Austin names new chief operating officer, Michael Labrador

Austin, Texas — Heart Hospital of Austin has named Michael Labrador as its new chief operating officer. Labrador assumed his new role on Nov. 6, 2023.

Labrador most recently served as vice president of operations and ethics and compliance officer at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, a 100-bed acute care facility. In that role, he led the hospital’s cardiovascular and emergency service lines, including overseeing a $10-million expansion and renovation project that more than doubled the size of the emergency department. Labrador also secured funding for the construction of a new MRI suite and the purchase of robotic systems to enhance surgical results. Additionally, he led the planning, preparation and recovery efforts during Hurricane Ian in 2022.

“Michael’s leadership, including his commitment to expanding and growing key services, will help further position Heart Hospital of Austin as one of the highest performing cardiovascular hospitals in the country,” Brett Matens, chief executive officer of Heart Hospital of Austin, said. “I am confident he will serve as a valuable member of our leadership team.”

Prior to his time at HCA Florida Englewood Hospital, Labrador was the assistant administrator of LewisGale Medical Center, a 505-bed acute care facility in Salem, Virginia, where he provided administrative oversight for more than 10 construction projects totaling $13.1 million, including a renovation of the progressive care unit, an update of the catheterization lab and the opening of an infusion center.

Labrador earned his master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, as well as a bachelor’s degree in information systems from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.