LSF Executive and Leadership Team

Christine Cauffield, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive VP, Lsf Health Systems & , Lutheran Services Florida, directs the strategic vision for comprehensive social services and behavioral health programs. Overseeing the integration of mental health and substance abuse initiatives, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive VP, Lsf Health Systems & , Lutheran Services Florida ensures alignment with the mission of supporting families and refugees across the state. This leadership role involves managing complex health systems and coordinating with the Board to expand service capacity. By optimizing operational workflows, Christine Cauffield drives significant improvements in care delivery for children and elderly populations. The Chief Executive Officer & Executive VP, Lsf Health Systems & , Lutheran Services Florida maintains high standards for clinical excellence while navigating the evolving landscape of community health. Through rigorous oversight of regional programs, the Chief Executive Officer & Executive VP, Lsf Health Systems & , Lutheran Services Florida secures the long-term sustainability of essential social support networks.

Samuel Sipes, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus at LSF, provides foundational guidance and historical continuity for the organization. Supporting the current leadership team, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus advises on long-term mission alignment and institutional values. This role involves fostering relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring the preservation of the core principles established since 1982. Samuel Sipes contributes deep industry knowledge to the strategic planning process, helping the organization navigate complex social service challenges. By mentoring emerging leaders, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus strengthens the internal culture and commitment to serving refugees, immigrants, and victims of natural disasters. The Chief Executive Officer Emeritus facilitates high-level discussions regarding the future trajectory of the organization. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the Chief Executive Officer Emeritus ensures that the foundational goals of the organization remain central to all ongoing operations and community outreach efforts across the region.

Robert Wydra, the Chief Financial Officer at LSF, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Overseeing all financial reporting and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that funds support critical programs for children, families, and vulnerable adults. This leadership role involves developing robust financial models to sustain operations across diverse service sectors. Robert Wydra collaborates with the executive team to optimize capital deployment and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. By implementing rigorous auditing processes, the Chief Financial Officer protects the financial assets of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer monitors economic trends to mitigate risks associated with large-scale social service delivery. Through precise management of grants and donor contributions, the Chief Financial Officer enables the expansion of mental health and education initiatives. Robert Wydra maintains transparency in all fiscal matters, ensuring that every dollar directly contributes to the mission of providing essential support to communities throughout the state.

Zee Palmieri, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer at LSF, directs the financial strategy and operational accounting functions. Overseeing the daily fiscal operations, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer ensures that internal controls remain effective for all substance abuse and mental health programs. This leadership role involves analyzing revenue streams and managing the financial infrastructure required for large-scale community support. Zee Palmieri coordinates with department heads to align budgetary goals with the overarching mission of the organization. By streamlining financial workflows, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer improves the efficiency of resource distribution for refugees and disaster victims. The Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer provides critical data to the Board to support informed decision-making regarding future investments. Through meticulous oversight of financial systems, the Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer secures the stability of the organization, allowing for the continued delivery of vital services to families and teens across the region.