Lee Health CEO to step down

Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and CEO of Lee Health, is stepping down at the end of September after 19 years with the organization.

The health care system announced his exit Friday saying that he is not renewing his contract.

Antonucci, in a statement, says that the working at Lee Health was “has been the greatest privilege of my life.”

“I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together—our focus on quality, safety, and compassion has never been stronger and Lee Health’s future is bright.”

Antonucci first joined Lee Health in 2007 as the chief administrative officer for Cape Coral Hospital and later became COO of the health system. He was named president and CEO in 2017.

Before moving to Lee Health, he began his medical career as an OB/GYN, later serving as CEO of Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida, while also actively practicing as an OB/GYN.

According to the statement, his accomplishments include:

• "Expanding facilities to improve access for the community, including growth at Gulf Coast Medical Center and Cape Coral Hospital, opening at Lee Health Coconut Point, planning the creation of Lee Health Fort Myers, and adding several ambulatory locations around the county."
• "Enhancing the health system’s financial performance, stability and long-term sustainability, enabling Lee Health to continue investing in patient care, expanding access, supporting our workforce and advancing our mission to improve the health and well-being of our community."

The Lee Health Board of Directors will begin a search for his replacement early next year with the goal of having someone in place before Antonucci leaves.