Ben Spence, MHA
Leadership Responsibilities
As President & CEO, Ben provides overall leadership and strategic direction for Lee Health, with responsibility for organizational performance, growth, financial stewardship, and the continued advancement of high-quality, patient-centered care.
He works closely with the Board of Directors, executive leadership team, medical staff, employees, patients, and community partners to shape strategy and respond to the evolving healthcare needs of Southwest Florida.
His leadership priorities include expanding access to care, improving health outcomes, lowering the total cost of care, advancing quality and safety, achieving operational excellence, creating seamless connections across the continuum of care, engaging physicians and care teams, developing leaders, fostering innovation, driving sustainable growth, and delivering an exceptional experience for patients, employees, and providers.
Professional Experience
Ben has more than 31 years of experience in healthcare finance and administration. He served as Chief Financial & Business Services Officer from 2014 to 2025 before being promoted to Chief Operating Officer in 2025.
He began his Lee Health career in the financial services department as a reimbursement clerk and, beginning in 2000, held a variety of management positions, including System Director of Reimbursement, Controller of Lee Memorial Hospital, and Chief Financial Officer for Lee Health’s Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike clinics.
Education
Ben is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, in 1992, with a dual major in Finance and Real Estate and Urban Analysis.
In 2010, he earned a Master of Science in Health Science with a concentration in Health Services Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.
Memberships/Community Involvement
Ben is an active member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).
He serves as chair of the Lee County Horizon Council and sits on several boards, including the Collaboratory, Best Care Collaborative, LLC, Community Healthcare Innovations, LLC, LeeSar, and Cooperative Services of Florida.
Ben is also committed to serving the community through volunteer work with his church, where he is a group leader for young adults, and with Junior Achievement, a nonprofit organization that helps young people develop the skills and knowledge needed for economic success.