Lee Health's Michael Nachef Named Vice President of Government Relations

(Fort Myers, Fla. – Aug. 10, 2021) --- With extensive expertise in government and civic relations, legislation and public policy, Lee Health’s Michael Nachef has been tapped to serve the health system in a new role.

Nachef has been named vice president of government relations. Before being appointed to his new position, Nachef served as Lee Health’s system director of government relations.

As an in-house registered lobbyist, Nachef works closely with elected officials and their staff at the local, state and federal levels. This work is focused on policy and funding issues that affect healthcare delivery and cost for residents of Southwest Florida. He also collaborates with hospital, community and statewide leaders to achieve positive outcomes for Lee Health and the region. The strong working relationships with elected officials and staff benefit healthcare delivery for Lee Health and all of Southwest Florida.

Nachef has been with Lee Health since 2016 when he joined the organization as director of government relations. Prior to his role at Lee Health, Nachef spent more than six years working for the State of Florida. He served as a legislative assistant with the Florida Senate, where he helped to craft legislation and move it through the legislative process.

“Michael has been instrumental in our government and civic relations and has helped to elevate Lee Health on the local, regional and national level,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, president and chief executive officer of Lee Health. “I look forward to all that he’ll accomplish in his new role.”

Nachef earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida Gulf Coast University. He is a graduate of College Leadership Florida and an active member of the Leadership Florida organization.

Nachef currently serves as chair of the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Board of Directors and as a member of the Sanibel Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. He is also a corporate board member, governance committee chair, and chair-elect for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

In 2019, Nachef was appointed by the governor to serve on the Florida Greenways and Trails Council.