Lee Health Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Lee Health has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, clinical operations, financial management, and legal affairs.

Committed to advancing regional healthcare standards, Lee Health delivers comprehensive medical and surgical services while maintaining a focus on patient-centered innovation and operational excellence across the Florida market.

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 Information Officer - Chris Akeroyd
  • Chief of Staff - Michael Nachef
  • 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 strategic vision for this large-scale medical and surgical hospital system. Spence manages the integration of complex clinical services across the Florida region, ensuring that the organization meets its $2.8B revenue targets while maintaining high standards of patient care. By coordinating with the Board and senior leadership, the Chief Executive Officer & President aligns institutional goals with evolving healthcare demands. This leadership role involves overseeing the workforce of 10000plus employees to drive operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. Ben Spence fosters a culture of innovation that supports the expansion of medical facilities and the enhancement of surgical capabilities. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, the Chief Executive Officer & President secures the financial health and market position of the entire hospital network.
    Ben Spence

    John Mallia - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    John Mallia, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Lee Health, oversees the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for this multi-billion dollar hospital system. Mallia manages the budgeting process, financial reporting, and revenue cycle optimization to ensure the organization maintains its strong market position. By analyzing economic trends and operational costs, the Interim Chief Financial Officer provides the data necessary for informed decision-making regarding facility expansions and medical equipment investments. This role involves collaborating with the executive team to balance financial performance with the delivery of essential surgical and medical services. John Mallia monitors cash flow and debt management to support the long-term stability of the institution. Through the implementation of rigorous financial controls, the Interim Chief Financial Officer drives cost-efficiency across all departments. Mallia secures the resources required to sustain the high-volume operations of the hospital network.

    Jerry Sushil - President Lee Memorial Auxiliary

    Jerry Sushil, the President Lee Memorial Auxiliary at Lee Health, leads the volunteer and community engagement efforts that support the hospital's mission. Sushil manages the coordination of auxiliary programs, which provide essential services and fundraising support for medical and surgical initiatives. By fostering relationships with community members and donors, the President Lee Memorial Auxiliary enhances the public profile and resource base of the organization. This role involves organizing volunteer activities that improve the patient experience and support the daily operations of the hospital facilities. Jerry Sushil collaborates with hospital leadership to ensure that auxiliary efforts align with the strategic priorities of the system. Through the mobilization of community support, the President Lee Memorial Auxiliary contributes to the overall success and growth of the institution. Sushil drives initiatives that strengthen the connection between the hospital and the local population it serves.

    Tommie Schott - President

    Tommie Schott, the President at Lee Health, oversees the operational execution of specific service lines within the hospital system. Schott manages the day-to-day performance of key medical departments, ensuring that clinical teams meet productivity and quality benchmarks. By coordinating with department heads, the President drives the implementation of operational improvements that enhance the delivery of surgical and medical care. This role involves monitoring resource allocation and staffing levels to maintain high standards of service across the Florida facilities. Tommie Schott collaborates with the executive leadership to align departmental activities with the broader strategic goals of the organization. Through the management of operational workflows, the President supports the growth and efficiency of the hospital network. Schott ensures that all clinical and administrative functions operate in harmony to provide superior patient outcomes and maintain the financial health of the institution.

    Chris Akeroyd - Chief Information Officer

    Chris Akeroyd, the Chief Information Officer at Lee Health, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support advanced medical and surgical operations. Akeroyd manages the implementation of secure health information systems that facilitate data-driven decision-making across the entire hospital network. By overseeing cybersecurity protocols and electronic health record integration, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless communication between clinical departments and administrative units. This role involves modernizing technology platforms to improve patient outcomes and operational workflows throughout the Florida facilities. Chris Akeroyd collaborates with other C-suite leaders to align digital investments with the broader mission of the organization. Through the deployment of scalable software solutions, the Chief Information Officer drives efficiency in clinical documentation and diagnostic processes. Ultimately, Akeroyd maintains the integrity and availability of critical data systems that underpin the daily operations of the hospital system.
    Chris Akeroyd

    Michael Nachef - Chief of Staff

    Michael Nachef, the Chief of Staff at Lee Health, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication between the leadership team and the Board. Nachef manages the prioritization of strategic initiatives, ensuring that the organization remains focused on its core mission of providing high-quality medical and surgical care. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to execute complex projects with greater speed and precision. This role involves monitoring the progress of key hospital programs and resolving operational bottlenecks that impede institutional growth. Michael Nachef acts as a central point of contact for internal stakeholders, fostering alignment across the diverse departments within the Florida-based system. Through the management of executive workflows, the Chief of Staff supports the achievement of long-term organizational objectives. Nachef ensures that all leadership activities remain consistent with the established standards of the hospital network.

    Iahn Gonsenhauser - Chief Medical Officer

    Iahn Gonsenhauser, the Chief Medical Officer at Lee Health, directs clinical quality, patient safety, and medical staff performance across the hospital system. Gonsenhauser manages the implementation of evidence-based care protocols that define the standard of medical and surgical services provided to the community. By overseeing physician engagement and clinical governance, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that all practitioners adhere to the highest levels of care excellence. This role involves collaborating with administrative leaders to integrate clinical outcomes into the broader strategic goals of the organization. Iahn Gonsenhauser monitors health metrics and patient satisfaction scores to drive continuous improvement in service delivery. Through the leadership of medical departments, the Chief Medical Officer supports the expansion of specialized surgical programs. Gonsenhauser maintains the clinical integrity of the hospital network while fostering a culture of safety and professional development.
    Iahn Gonsenhauser
    Tracy Pyles, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel at Lee Health, directs the legal strategy and regulatory compliance framework for the entire hospital system. Pyles manages risk mitigation, contract negotiations, and corporate governance to ensure that all medical and surgical operations adhere to state and federal laws. By providing counsel on complex healthcare regulations, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel protects the organization from liability and supports the ethical conduct of business. This role involves collaborating with the executive team to navigate the legal challenges associated with large-scale hospital management and patient care. Tracy Pyles oversees the legal department, ensuring that all institutional policies reflect current industry standards. Through the proactive management of legal affairs, the Chief Legal Officer & General Counsel secures the operational continuity of the hospital network. Pyles maintains the legal framework necessary for the organization to thrive in the competitive healthcare market.

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

    Kristine Fay, the Chief Administrative Officer & Group Lee & Ambulatory Care Physician at Lee Health, directs the administrative functions and ambulatory care services for the hospital system. Fay manages the integration of outpatient clinics and physician practices, ensuring that patients receive seamless care outside of the traditional hospital setting. By overseeing the operational efficiency of ambulatory services, the Chief Administrative Officer & Group Lee & Ambulatory Care Physician expands the reach of the organization into the community. This role involves collaborating with clinical and executive leaders to optimize patient access and service delivery. Kristine Fay monitors the performance of ambulatory care units to ensure alignment with the overall mission of the hospital network. Through the management of administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer & Group Lee & Ambulatory Care Physician supports the growth of the organization's outpatient footprint. Fay drives initiatives that improve the accessibility and quality of care for all patients.
    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 Information Officer.