Lee Health CFO Ben Spence Named FGCU Alumnus of Distinction

(Fort Myers, Fla. – Feb. 19, 2020) --- Ben Spence, chief financial and business services officer for Lee Health, was honored as FGCU’s 2020 Alumnus of Distinction at the school’s annual alumni awards ceremony earlier this month. This recognition is the highest alumni honor awarded by FGCU.

Spence, who graduated from FGCU in 2010 with a M.S. in Health Science, started at Lee Health as a reimbursement clerk in 1995. Prior to joining the health system, Spence earned a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University in 1992 and spent time working in real estate.

“Ben is an incredible asset to the Lee Health team. He is fully committed to making sure the health system has the resources it needs to provide safe, high-quality care for our community,” said Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA, Lee Health president and CEO. 

As Lee Health’s CFO, Spence has developed long and short-term financial plans to provide the resources needed to achieve the health system’s strategic initiatives, vision and mission. His oversight has led to significant financial accomplishments that afford the opportunity to treat every patient regardless of their ability to pay.

In addition to his role at Lee Health, Spence is an active member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and a member at-large of the Horizon Council. He also supports many community organizations including the American Heart Association, United Way, Ronald McDonald House Charities and SalusCare.

“It was an honor to present the distinguished alumni award not just to a fellow Eagle, but to a colleague and friend. We are lucky to have him as a role model for Southwest Florida’s community health system and our university,” said Michael Nachef, director of government relations for Lee Health and chairman of the FGCU Alumni Association.

About Lee Health

Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.