When Leaders at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System started a search for a new chief executive, they didn’t have to look far. David Verinder, previously the hospital’s chief operating officer, was promoted in July to the position of president and CEO. We spoke with Verinder about the things in his life that helped lead him to success. 

Lagniappe  I have a small boat. Its name is a Cajun French word that means ‘something a little extra.’You’ll find us on weekends puttering out on the Bay (as many weekends as we can) and going fishing, yet not a whole lot of catching. It’s a way to spend time with kids (I have two daughters, 17 and 14) away from work. Being in the middle of Sarasota Bay is like a million miles away. 

David and Karen Verinder  My parents were very influential. They were very middle class and both went to the University of Texas. My dad worked for NASA and was an engineer on the Saturn V rocket. He did that several years and went to work for IBM. He was always about being a good dad. My mom was a stay-at-home mom; I had three younger brothers and somehow she managed to keep us all good, and we all came out alive.

Marvel Movies  I still like all the superhero movies. My kids love the Marvel movies and I do enjoy watching with them. I just saw The Guardians of the Galaxy and it was kind of neat. My favorite was Iron Man. I just love the story. It's not too deep. I won't find lessons in life to share with the world.

Jim Sundberg baseball  I grew up in Dallas. My Dad would take us to Ranger games. I caught a ball. My favorite player on the Rangers was Jim Sundberg. He was a catcher and you won’t find him in any records books; I have no idea why he was my favorite but I was a kid. This was back in the day when you could go to the dugout. He signed the ball for me. I have held onto it since fifth grade.

Honesty  Trust and honesty are the most important things anyone can have. We work with community partners all the time and as long as you can be honest, it will start a good relationship every time.

Onward, by Howard Shultz  It’s by the founder of Starbucks. It was back in 2008 when he left Starbucks, then came back to get back to the company’s core values. The company had been floundering around a little bit and some questioned if he could make a difference, and he made a huge difference. I just found it interesting how just changing leadership philosophy can change something that quickly.

Eagle Scout Around eighth grade I became an Eagle Scout. I am a big supporter of Scouting. It helped shape my leadership abilities. It teaches you responsibility and becomes the foundation for going through life. I have donated to the National Eagle Scout Association and given talks at local scouting groups.

Louisiana State University Helmet  I have it set on the back on my desk. I’m a college football fan. My wife and I both graduated from LSU and had great years here. I bought it for decoration at one point, and then once ran into Billy Cannon, who is the only Heisman Trophy winner LSU ever produced, and he signed it for me. I always thought that was kind of neat.

Poodles  We have two dogs that are like our children. Murphy is a golden doodle. Stella is a standard poodle. Poodles are great dogs. They just become a real part of your family.

Community charity work My wife and I have both done it. We have gotten involved in Parkinson's treatment and always participate. We support Empty Bowls through the food bank. We encourage our kids to do charity work. My kids have done a whole host of things from Habitat for Humanity to helping inner-city kids in reading.