Candidate: Joseph J. DeVirgilio, Jr.

I'm a retired Utility Executive and part-time Management and Utility Consultant

I am president of Suncoast Management Consultants and a senior consultant with River Consulting Group. Previously, I held a series of executive positions with the Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation in Poughkeepsie, NY. I also served for 12 years on a hospital board and foundation in Poughkeepsie before retiring in 2010.  I am currently a volunteer for the AARP, helping seniors in Venice with their taxes and a hurricane response volunteer for my community association.

In addition, I have been a member and leader on numerous boards of community and business organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Hospice and Habitat for Humanity. I have received several honors for my service, including the Healthcare Trustees of New York State Award, the Poughkeepsie Area Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award and the Hospice Community Service Award. 

I'm an incumbent member of the Sarasota County Public Hospital Board since 2013.

Campaign message: 

              I have and will continue to support the continuation of SMH as a publicly owned hospital with its not-for-profit and safety-net approach to operations.  The taxes collected by the hospital and the revenues in excess of expenses provides the financial resources to provide quality healthcare services to those in financial need and expand services into areas of the county that are currently underserved. As the State continues to reduce healthcare service for the working poor and underprivileged children, I believe SMH’s should continue to address these needs through its strong financial performance and community focused leadership.  Additionally, I believe SMH is well positioned to continue to expand its world-class healthcare service offerings, such as comprehensive cancer care and expanding hospital care in Venice and North Port.