Lee Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lee Health has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, medical affairs, legal, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, Lee Health advances healthcare excellence through integrated services and patient-centered care, impacting the health landscape of Southwest Florida.

Leadership Roles at Lee Health

  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Ben Spence
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - John Mallia
  • President - Tommie Schott
  • President Lee Memorial Auxiliary - Jerry Sushil
  • Chief of Staff - Michael Nachef
  • Chief Information Officer - Chris Akeroyd
  • Chief Medical Officer - Charles Krivenko
  • Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel - Mary McGillicuddy
  • Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel - Tracy Pyles
  • Chief Administrative Officer & Group Lee & Ambulatory Care Physician - Kristine Fay
  • Ben Spence - Chief Executive Officer & President

    Ben Spence, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Lee Health, directs the overall strategic vision and operational execution for the health system. Overseeing all major divisions, Spence ensures alignment with the company's mission of providing exceptional patient care and advancing community health. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives, managing financial performance, and fostering a culture of innovation across the organization. By optimizing resource allocation and enhancing service delivery, Ben Spence directly impacts the health system's ability to meet the evolving needs of the Southwest Florida region. Ultimately, Spence secures the long-term sustainability and market leadership of Lee Health.
    Ben Spence

    John Mallia - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    John Mallia, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Lee Health, manages the financial health and fiscal strategy of the health system. Overseeing all financial operations, Mallia ensures robust financial planning, accurate reporting, and effective budget management to support the organization's mission. This critical role involves optimizing revenue cycles, controlling costs, and securing financial resources necessary for growth and operational excellence. By providing strategic financial guidance, John Mallia directly contributes to the stability and long-term viability of Lee Health. Ultimately, Mallia ensures prudent stewardship of financial assets to advance patient care and community well-being.

    Tommie Schott - President

    Tommie Schott, the President at Lee Health, drives operational excellence and strategic growth across key areas of the health system. Overseeing specific service lines or facilities, Schott ensures the delivery of high-quality patient care and efficient resource management. This leadership position involves implementing strategic plans, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, and enhancing the patient experience. By focusing on operational effectiveness, Tommie Schott directly contributes to the overall success and mission fulfillment of Lee Health. Ultimately, Schott plays a crucial part in advancing the health system's commitment to serving the Southwest Florida community with exceptional healthcare services.

    Jerry Sushil - President Lee Memorial Auxiliary

    Jerry Sushil, the President Lee Memorial Auxiliary at Lee Health, leads volunteer efforts and community engagement initiatives that support the health system's mission. Overseeing the auxiliary's operations, Sushil mobilizes volunteers to provide essential services, fundraising support, and enhance the patient experience. This role involves coordinating volunteer programs, fostering a positive volunteer environment, and driving fundraising campaigns to acquire necessary resources. By championing the contributions of volunteers, Jerry Sushil directly strengthens the connection between Lee Health and the community it serves. Ultimately, Sushil ensures the auxiliary effectively contributes to patient comfort and the overall well-being of individuals within the health system.

    Michael Nachef - Chief of Staff

    Michael Nachef, the Chief of Staff at Lee Health, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational coordination across the executive leadership team. Supporting the Chief Executive Officer & President, Nachef ensures seamless communication and efficient execution of organizational priorities. This role involves managing key projects, analyzing operational data, and developing strategic recommendations to enhance system-wide performance. By streamlining internal processes and fostering collaboration among departments, Michael Nachef directly contributes to the effective functioning of Lee Health. Ultimately, Nachef supports the leadership in achieving its mission of advancing community health and delivering high-quality patient care.

    Chris Akeroyd - Chief Information Officer

    Chris Akeroyd, the Chief Information Officer at Lee Health, architects and oversees the health system's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Directing all IT operations, Akeroyd ensures the secure and efficient implementation of electronic health records, data analytics platforms, and cybersecurity measures. This leadership position involves driving technological innovation to improve patient outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and support clinical decision-making. By championing digital transformation initiatives, Chris Akeroyd directly enables Lee Health to leverage advanced technology for superior healthcare delivery. Ultimately, Akeroyd safeguards the integrity and accessibility of critical health information across the organization.
    Chris Akeroyd

    Charles Krivenko - Chief Medical Officer

    Charles Krivenko, the Chief Medical Officer at Lee Health, leads clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of medical care across the health system. Directing physician engagement and clinical quality initiatives, Krivenko champions evidence-based practices and patient safety protocols. This executive position involves collaborating with medical staff to enhance patient outcomes, optimize clinical workflows, and drive medical innovation. By fostering a culture of clinical excellence, Charles Krivenko directly influences the quality and effectiveness of healthcare services provided by Lee Health. Ultimately, Krivenko ensures that patient care delivery remains at the forefront of medical advancements and ethical practice.
    Mary McGillicuddy, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Lee Health, provides strategic legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the health system. Directing the legal department, McGillicuddy ensures compliance with healthcare regulations, manages risk mitigation strategies, and advises on corporate governance matters. This vital role involves safeguarding the organization's interests, navigating complex legal landscapes, and supporting strategic decision-making. By providing expert legal guidance, Mary McGillicuddy directly protects Lee Health from potential liabilities and ensures adherence to all applicable laws. Ultimately, McGillicuddy upholds the integrity and ethical standing of the organization within the healthcare industry.
    Tracy Pyles, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Lee Health, provides comprehensive legal guidance and manages the organization's legal framework. Directing legal operations, Pyles ensures adherence to all regulatory requirements and mitigates potential legal risks across the health system. This executive function involves advising leadership on corporate law, healthcare compliance, and contractual matters to protect the organization's assets and reputation. By offering strategic legal expertise, Tracy Pyles directly supports the sound governance and operational integrity of Lee Health. Ultimately, Pyles champions the legal and ethical standards essential for maintaining trust and excellence in patient care.

    Kristine Fay - Chief Administrative Officer & Group Lee & Ambulatory Care Physician

    Kristine Fay, the Chief Administrative Officer & Group Lee & Ambulatory Care Physician at Lee Health, integrates clinical practice with administrative oversight to optimize healthcare delivery. Directing administrative functions and leading ambulatory care physicians, Fay ensures seamless patient journeys and high-quality clinical outcomes. This dual role involves managing operational efficiency, enhancing physician engagement, and driving strategic initiatives within ambulatory settings. By bridging clinical expertise with administrative leadership, Kristine Fay directly improves the coordination and effectiveness of patient care across Lee Health's network. Ultimately, Fay champions a patient-centered approach that enhances access to comprehensive healthcare services.
    Kristine Fay

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Lee Health Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Lee Health?
    Lee Health is led by Ben Spence (Chief Executive Officer & President), along with executives such as John Mallia (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and Tommie Schott (President).
    Who is part of Lee Health’s executive team?
    The executive team of Lee Health includes leaders such as Ben Spence (Chief Executive Officer & President), John Mallia (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Tommie Schott (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lee Health have?
    Lee Health has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Lee Health’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Lee Health includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer & President, Interim Chief Financial Officer, President, President Lee Memorial Auxiliary, Chief of Staff.