Larry Antonucci, MD, president and CEO of Fort Myers, Fla.-based Lee Health, will step down from his role when his contract concludes on Sept. 30.
Dr. Antonucci, who has served as CEO since 2017, plans to remain in the position through the end of his contract to support a smooth leadership transition, according to a Dec. 12 health system news release. A formal search process for the next president and CEO will begin in 2026.
He joined Lee Health in 2007 as chief administrative officer of Cape Coral Hospital and was later named COO of the health system. Before that, he was CEO of Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida while also practicing as an OB/GYN.
Dr. Antonucci guided the health system through the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple major hurricanes. Under his leadership, Lee Health has seen strengthened quality performance and expanded facilities to improve access to care. He also successfully led the system through the governmental change from a public entity to a private nonprofit.
“Serving this health system and our community has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Dr. Antonucci said in the release. “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.”
Lee Health said Dr. Antonucci will remain active in the community through healthcare advocacy, mentoring and board service after his departure.
