Ben Spence, MHA, is the president and CEO of Lee Health
USA TODAY Network, Reuters
As I step into my new role as Lee Health’s president and CEO, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and share what Lee Health means to me – and what I believe our role is in the community we are so fortunate to serve.
I was born and raised in Ohio, but I’ve called Southwest Florida home since 1992. Lee Health has been part of my life for nearly as long. I walked into Lee Memorial Hospital on March 20, 1995, as a finance clerk, never imagining where that first job would lead.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow with Lee Health and serve in a variety of roles, including system director of reimbursement, controller of Lee Memorial Hospital, chief financial officer for the health system’s Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike clinics, chief financial & business services officer and, most recently, chief operating officer.
Those experiences have given me a unique perspective on Lee Health. I’ve seen the organization from many different angles, but through every role, one thing has remained constant: Lee Health exists to serve this community. We have deep roots here and a strong mission to fulfill.
That mission is personal to me.
Being a community-focused, nonprofit health system means we have a responsibility that extends beyond treating illness – we’re here to be trusted partners for our patients, their families, and our neighbors throughout Southwest Florida. It means being there for our neighbors when they need us most, while also helping people stay healthy and thrive through prevention, education, access, and partnership.
Caring for the people of Southwest Florida and strengthening the health of our families, friends and neighbors is an honor and a privilege.
That is who Lee Health is – a health system built by and for this community. Our goal is not only to provide exceptional, leading-edge, patient-centered care, but also to be a trusted partner, helping people live healthier lives through care and compassion. We are here to help Southwest Florida grow healthier, stronger, and more resilient. As I begin this new chapter, I’m honored to help lead an organization with such a deep commitment to the people we serve.
Ben Spence, MHA, is the president and CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for healthcare offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit LeeHealth.org to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lee Health: A new chapter, rooted in community
Reporting by Ben Spence, MHA, President & CEO of Lee Health / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published October 5, 2026 at 5:11 AM.
Source: www.miamiherald.com
