When Daniel Monnier relocated from California to Central Florida in 2013, he was not simply accepting a new position. He was answering a calling shaped by service, faith and a belief that health care is ministry in action.
Monnier joined AdventHealth as a finance resident after completing an internship in Patient Experience. Raised in Adventist education and influenced by a family devoted to ministry, he was drawn to an organization that reflected those same values.
“I may not be clinical, but health care represents service at its core,” Monnier said. “It is where purpose and profession meet.”
His early career focused on finance, supporting AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division chief financial officer and later serving as finance director overseeing post-acute services. Those roles gave Monnier a strong understanding of how operational decisions impact patients, caregivers, and communities.
While finance provided a solid foundation, Monnier knew effective leadership required a broader perspective. In Fall 2013, he enrolled in AdventHealth University’s Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program as part of its first cohort. With only four students, the in-person program offered close access to faculty and AdventHealth leaders who shared real-world insight.
“The alignment between the university and the health system mattered to me,” Monnier said. “I was learning directly from leaders who lived out the mission every day.”
The MHA program expanded his view beyond finance into clinical operations, legal, and marketing disciplines. It also reinforced the principles of Whole Person Education and Whole-Person Care that continue to shape how he leads. Monnier remains connected to the program today, serving on the MHA Advisory Council, a group of stakeholders for the MHA program brought together to provide guidance, expertise, and strategic advice.
Following graduation in 2015, Monnier transitioned into operations, leading outpatient imaging centers before becoming director of operations at AdventHealth Kissimmee. There he supported major initiatives, including imaging expansion, cancer center enhancements and planning for a new off-site emergency department. His leadership contributed to strong patient satisfaction scores and high team retention.
In August 2025, Monnier was named chief operating officer for AdventHealth Kissimmee.
“Graduates of our AdventHealth University Master of Healthcare Administration program have made so many notable achievements, and I am happy to see Daniel pursue his purpose and step into executive leadership,” said Benita David, DBA, Chair of Healthcare Administration at AHU.
Monnier’s commitment is also deeply personal. For years, Monnier has served as a caregiver to his wife, who experienced a serious and life-altering accident. Walking alongside her through hospital stays, rehabilitation, and recovery allowed him to see health care from the patient and family perspective.
“As a husband, you feel helpless at times,” he said. “Sitting on the other side of care gives you a different level of empathy for patients, families, and caregivers.”
That experience strengthened his belief in Whole-Person Care and the importance of compassion, consistency, and presence.
“When you have lived it,” Monnier said, “you understand why the small moments matter.”