
Lee Health HealthPark Medical Center. -DAVID WISHTISCHIN / FLORIDA WEEKLY
Lee Health Foundation Hires Caroline Vives-Vietri as Associate Director of Development
Lee Health Foundation has welcomed Caroline Vives-Vietri as associate director of development, bringing a strong background in donor engagement, alumni relations, volunteer management and nonprofit leadership.
In her role, Vives-Vietri will identify, cultivate and steward major donors while advancing philanthropic support for Lee Health’s strategic priorities. She will manage relationships with donors and prospects, collaborate with Foundation leadership and community partners, and help drive fundraising efforts that support exceptional healthcare throughout Southwest Florida.
Caroline joins Lee Health Foundation from the Florida Gulf Coast University Alumni Association. In addition to her fundraising and relationship-building experience, she has a longstanding record of community involvement throughout Southwest Florida. She currently serves as a board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast.

Caroline Vives-Vietri. -COURTESY PHOTO
Vives-Vietri earned a Doctor of Education in Applied Learning Sciences and Behavior from the University of Miami, a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management and Public Administration from the University of Central Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Florida Gulf Coast University. She is also a Certified Nonprofit Professional and holds a graduate certificate in fundraising.
For more information about Lee Health Foundation and opportunities to support innovative healthcare programs and services, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org.
Lee Health expands musculoskeletal care access through acquisition of Gardner Orthopedics
Lee Health has acquired Gardner Orthopedics, expanding access to high-quality orthopedic and musculoskeletal care throughout Southwest Florida.
As part of the acquisition, all 75 Gardner Orthopedics employees have joined Lee Health, including nurses, physical therapists, medical assistants, administrative support staff and five physicians.
The addition of Gardner Orthopedics expands Lee Health’s growing musculoskeletal service line, complementing its team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, and rehabilitation specialists.
The current facility on Winkler Avenue will remain operational, further strengthening the health system’s outpatient care footprint and enhancing patient access to specialized orthopedic services.
“Bringing Gardner Orthopedics into the Lee Health family reflects our continued commitment to increasing access to exceptional orthopedic and musculoskeletal care for our community,” said Kris Fay, chief administrative officer of LPG and Ambulatory Care. “Gardner Orthopedics has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality care with a patient-centered approach, and we are excited to welcome their physicians and staff to Lee Health.”
Gardner Orthopedics is widely recognized for offering same-day appointments, helping patients receive timely evaluation and treatment for injuries, joint pain, sports-related conditions and other musculoskeletal concerns. The acquisition will allow Lee Health to expand those convenient access options while creating a more seamless experience across its network of care.
Patients will continue to receive care from the trusted providers and staff they know, now backed by the resources and coordinated care network of Lee Health. The acquisition supports Lee Health’s strategic focus on expanding specialty care access and meeting the growing healthcare needs of Southwest Florida.
For more information about Lee Health musculoskeletal services, visit LeeHealth.org/MSK.
About Lee Health
Lee Health has been a cornerstone of health care in Southwest Florida since opening its first hospital in 1916. As a non-profit, integrated health system, Lee Health is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. With a strong commitment to community health and wellness, Lee Health commits to evolving with the growing and changing needs of the region. The system offers comprehensive services through four acute care hospitals, Golisano Children’s Hospital, three skilled nursing locations, outpatient facilities, urgent care centers, and a wide network of primary care and specialty practices. Lee Health supports every step of the health journey, from preventive care to advanced treatment for every member of our community. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.