Lee Health President and CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci announced he will not renew his employment contract when it concludes Sept. 30, 2026, setting in motion a planned leadership transition at one of Southwest Florida’s largest and most influential health systems.
Antonucci, who has led Lee Health since 2017, will remain in his role through the end of his contract, guiding the organization as it advances its strategic priorities and prepares for a deliberate and orderly handoff. The early notice gives the Lee Health board of directors more than a year to conduct a national search while ensuring continuity in leadership during a period of continued growth and demand for care.
“Serving this health system and our community has been the greatest privilege of my career,” Antonucci said. “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.”
During Antonucci’s tenure, Lee Health has undergone a series of changes that reshaped both its operations and its long-term trajectory. The system strengthened quality performance across its hospitals, earning 4- and 5-star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and placing Lee Health among the top 15% of health systems nationwide for quality. He also led the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing patient care and operational stability during one of the most challenging periods in modern health care.
The system navigated multiple major hurricanes under his leadership, maintaining emergency operations and continuity of care during regional crises. Antonucci also guided Lee Health through its transition from a public entity to a private nonprofit, a structural shift designed to provide greater flexibility and long-term financial strength as the region’s population grows.
Gulf Coast Medical Center in south Fort Myers expanded under the leadership of Lee Health President and CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci, who announced he will not renew his contract when it concludes Sept. 30, 2026.
Lee Health
Expansion has been another hallmark of his tenure. Lee Health invested in major growth at Gulf Coast Medical Center in south Fort Myers and Cape Coral Hospital, opened Lee Health Coconut Point, advanced plans for Lee Health Fort Myers and added ambulatory facilities across Lee County to improve access to care. The organization also moved forward on its pursuit of Magnet designation, reflecting a focus on nursing excellence and patient outcomes, while strengthening financial performance to support continued investment in facilities, workforce and services.
Before becoming president and CEO, Antonucci built a career that bridged clinical practice and executive leadership. He began as an OB-GYN, later serving as CEO of Physicians’ Primary Care of Southwest Florida while continuing to practice medicine. He joined Lee Health in 2007 as chief administrative officer at Cape Coral Hospital, rose to chief operating officer,and was appointed president and CEO in 2017.
Lee Health President and CEO Dr. Larry Antonucci speaks during the ribbon cutting for Family Medicine North Naples, the system’s first new clinic in Collier County. The former Prime MD office will offer comprehensive primary care services.
Lee Health
The Lee Health board of directors credited Antonucci with steady leadership through periods of uncertainty and change. “Larry’s leadership has been steady, thoughtful and deeply mission-driven,” said David Klein, chair of the Lee Health board. “He has led Lee Health through extraordinary times, always with a focus on the patients, families and employees who define our health system. We are grateful for his service and the solid foundation he has built for the future.”
After stepping down, Antonucci plans to remain active in the community through health care advocacy, mentoring and board service, including continued involvement with Florida Gulf Coast University and civic organizations. Officials said a comprehensive search for Lee Health’s next president and CEO is expected to begin in 2026, with Antonucci remaining fully engaged in leading the system through the transition.