Spence named Lee Health COO
With nearly 30 years of experience serving in a variety of roles at Lee Health, Ben Spence was named chief operating officer to lead Lee Health into the future. In this new role, Spence will be responsible for the oversight of the systemwide clinical and financial operations, facilities management, information technology services, supply chain management, analytics and revenue cycle management.
Spence first joined Lee Memorial Health System in 1995 as a reimbursement clerk in the financial services department. For the past 10 years, he has served as Lee Health’s chief financial and business services officer.
As CFO, Spence helped lead the system’s strategic growth capital plan, giving patients improved access to high-quality care through expansion of the health system and its locations. Investing in state-of-the-art technology, he oversaw the system evolution to deliver care to patients in new ways. He also helped launch and develop a Medicare accountable care organization, a Medicaid provider sponsored plan, a direct to employer health network, a specialty pharmacy, physician and pharmacy residency programs, and value-based contracts with payers.
Spence-led programs and initiatives that enabled Lee Health to improve its S&P credit rating to “A+” and grow its positive cash flow to more than $300 million per year with annual revenues more than $3.2 billion.
“Ben Spence’s experience with Lee Health is a testament to his unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and commitment to our mission of providing exceptional care to our community,” said Dr. Larry Antonucci, Lee Health president and CEO. “His extensive experience, continued successes, and passion for innovation make him the best leader to guide our organization into our next chapter. We are excited for the positive impact he will continue to make in his new role.”
Earning his bachelor of science degree in business administration from The Ohio State University, Spence dual-majored in finance, as well as real estate and urban analysis. In 2010, he completed his master of science in health science with a concentration in health services administration at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Active in his professional and local communities, he currently is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association and the American College of Healthcare executives, as well as vice president of the Horizon Council. He volunteers with Grace Church and Junior Achievement leading and mentoring young adults.
An active search is underway for the next Lee Health Chief Financial Officer. In the interim, Spence will continue to fulfill the CFO role.
Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.