Lee Health Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lee Health has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, finance, medical affairs, legal, administration, and auxiliary services.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, Lee Health operates as a vital healthcare provider, focusing on delivering comprehensive medical services and fostering patient-centered care across its network.

Leadership Roles at Lee Health

  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Ben Spence
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - John Mallia
  • President Lee Memorial Auxiliary - Jerry Sushil
  • President - Tommie Schott
  • Chief of Staff - Michael Nachef
  • Chief Information Officer - Chris Akeroyd
  • Chief Medical Officer - Iahn Gonsenhauser
  • 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 overarching strategy and operational execution for the entire healthcare system. Overseeing all major divisions, Spence ensures alignment with the company's mission of providing high-quality medical and surgical care. This leadership position involves driving growth initiatives and maintaining financial stability for the organization, which employs over 10,000 people and generates $2.8 billion in revenue. Spence's role is critical in navigating the complex healthcare landscape, fostering innovation in patient care delivery, and ensuring the organization's long-term sustainability. By championing strategic partnerships and operational efficiencies, Ben Spence solidifies Lee Health's position as a leading medical provider in Fort Myers, Florida.
    Ben Spence

    John Mallia - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    John Mallia, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Lee Health, directs the financial operations and fiscal strategy for the healthcare system. Mallia oversees all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, revenue cycle management, and investment strategies, ensuring the financial health of the $2.8 billion organization. This critical role supports the delivery of medical and surgical services by maintaining fiscal discipline and identifying opportunities for financial growth and sustainability. By managing the financial resources effectively, John Mallia ensures that Lee Health can continue to invest in its 10,000-plus employees and advanced patient care initiatives. Mallia's leadership provides the financial foundation necessary for the organization's ongoing success in Fort Myers, Florida.

    Jerry Sushil - President Lee Memorial Auxiliary

    Jerry Sushil, the President Lee Memorial Auxiliary at Lee Health, leads the volunteer organization dedicated to supporting hospital operations and patient well-being. Sushil directs fundraising efforts and coordinates volunteer activities that enhance the patient experience and provide essential services. This leadership position fosters community engagement and mobilizes resources to supplement the core medical and surgical offerings of the hospital system. By championing the auxiliary's mission, Jerry Sushil plays a vital role in strengthening the connection between Lee Health and the community it serves. Sushil's dedication ensures continued support for patient care initiatives in Fort Myers, Florida.

    Tommie Schott - President

    Tommie Schott, the President at Lee Health, drives strategic initiatives and operational excellence across key areas of the healthcare system. Schott focuses on enhancing service delivery and ensuring the effective implementation of organizational goals. This leadership role involves overseeing specific divisions or projects critical to the company's mission of providing comprehensive medical and surgical care. By guiding strategic priorities, Tommie Schott contributes to the sustained growth and operational integrity of Lee Health. Schott's leadership ensures that the organization continues to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Fort Myers, Florida region.

    Michael Nachef - Chief of Staff

    Michael Nachef, the Chief of Staff at Lee Health, facilitates strategic initiatives and operational coordination across executive departments. Nachef manages key projects and ensures seamless communication between the CEO and other leadership functions, supporting the delivery of comprehensive medical and surgical services. This role involves streamlining internal processes and enhancing organizational efficiency to meet the demands of a 10,000-plus employee healthcare system. By acting as a central point of contact for critical organizational matters, Michael Nachef supports the strategic direction set by the Chief Executive Officer & President. Nachef's efforts contribute directly to the effective implementation of Lee Health's mission in Fort Myers, Florida.

    Chris Akeroyd - Chief Information Officer

    Chris Akeroyd, the Chief Information Officer at Lee Health, architects and executes the technology strategy for the entire healthcare network. Akeroyd oversees the implementation and management of all IT infrastructure, digital health platforms, and data security measures, ensuring robust support for medical and surgical operations. This leadership role is pivotal in leveraging technology to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation within the $2.8 billion revenue organization. By championing digital transformation, Chris Akeroyd ensures that Lee Health remains at the forefront of healthcare technology, supporting its 10,000-plus employees and the community in Fort Myers, Florida. Akeroyd's focus on secure and advanced technological solutions underpins the organization's commitment to patient safety and service excellence.
    Chris Akeroyd

    Iahn Gonsenhauser - Chief Medical Officer

    Iahn Gonsenhauser, the Chief Medical Officer at Lee Health, leads clinical strategy and ensures the highest standards of patient care across all medical and surgical services. Gonsenhauser oversees physician relations, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical protocol development, directly impacting patient outcomes and safety. This executive position is vital for aligning clinical operations with the organization's mission and financial objectives, supporting the 10,000-plus workforce. By championing evidence-based practices and fostering a culture of clinical excellence, Iahn Gonsenhauser drives the quality of care delivered by Lee Health. Gonsenhauser's leadership ensures that the organization remains a trusted provider of comprehensive healthcare services in Fort Myers, Florida.
    Iahn Gonsenhauser
    Tracy Pyles, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Lee Health, provides comprehensive legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the healthcare system. Pyles manages risk mitigation strategies, ensures regulatory compliance, and guides the organization through complex legal challenges related to medical and surgical operations. This role is essential for protecting the organization's interests and upholding its commitment to ethical practices. By advising on corporate governance and legal matters, Tracy Pyles supports the strategic objectives of Lee Health and its $2.8 billion revenue. Pyles's expertise ensures that the organization operates within all legal frameworks, safeguarding its reputation and operations in Fort Myers, Florida.

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

    Kristine Fay, the Chief Administrative Officer & Group Lee & Ambulatory Care Physician at Lee Health, manages critical administrative functions and oversees ambulatory care physician services. Fay ensures operational efficiency across various administrative departments, supporting the delivery of integrated medical and surgical care. This dual role allows for direct insight into physician practice management and administrative support systems, enhancing the overall patient experience. By bridging administrative oversight with clinical perspective, Kristine Fay contributes significantly to the operational effectiveness of Lee Health. Fay's leadership ensures seamless coordination between administrative processes and the provision of high-quality ambulatory care for the community in Fort Myers, Florida.
    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 Jerry Sushil (President Lee Memorial Auxiliary).
    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), Jerry Sushil (President Lee Memorial Auxiliary) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Lee Health have?
    Lee Health has 9 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 Lee Memorial Auxiliary, President, Chief of Staff.