Commitment of $250,000 to Support Employee Education and Professional Development
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 29, 2026) – The Lee Health Foundation Board of Trustees in partnership with the Lee Health Board of Directors is proud to announce the creation of the Dr. Larry Antonucci Scholarship Endowment Fund, establishing a permanent legacy honoring the visionary leadership, service, and lasting impact of Dr. Larry Antonucci, who is retiring after more than four decades of advancing healthcare in Southwest Florida.
Established with a $250,000 founding gift from the Lee Health Foundation Board of Trustees, the endowed fund will create ongoing opportunities for Lee Health team members to pursue education, leadership development, professional certifications, and career advancement.
The Board invites community members, physicians, grateful patients, business leaders, employees, and friends of Lee Health to honor Dr. Antonucci’s legacy through contributions that will support future generations of healthcare professionals.
“For decades, Dr. Larry Antonucci has dedicated his career to serving patients, supporting caregivers, and strengthening healthcare throughout our region,” said Dominic Cameratta, chair of the Lee Health Foundation Board of Trustees. “One of the defining characteristics of his leadership has been his unwavering belief that when organizations invest in people, exceptional care follows. This fund ensures that commitment will continue to benefit Lee Health employees and ultimately the patients and families they serve for generations to come.”
Before joining Lee Health’s executive leadership team, Dr. Antonucci spent 24 years as a practicing obstetrician and gynecologist in Fort Myers. He joined Lee Health in 2007 and served in a variety of leadership roles before being named President and Chief Executive Officer in 2017. Throughout his tenure, he championed a culture of excellence, innovation, employee engagement, patient-centered care, and continuous learning.
Under Dr. Antonucci’s leadership, Lee Health expanded access to care, grew critical services and partnerships, successfully navigated historic challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian, and further strengthened its role as Southwest Florida’s trusted healthcare leader.
The Dr. Larry Antonucci Scholarship Endowment Fund carries those values forward by creating a permanent source of support for employees seeking to grow professionally, expand their expertise, and advance their careers. Earnings from the endowed fund will be used to provide assistance for educational and professional development opportunities that strengthen the workforce and help ensure the highest quality care for the communities Lee Health serves.
“Dr. Antonucci’s impact extends far beyond buildings, programs, and strategic initiatives,” said Chris Simoneau, chief development, marketing, and communications officer of Lee Health. “His greatest legacy is the culture he helped build and the countless employees, physicians, and leaders he inspired throughout his career. This fund honors his belief in lifelong learning while investing in the future leaders of Lee Health.”
Gifts to the fund offer a meaningful way to honor Dr. Antonucci’s enduring impact while investing in the people who will carry Lee Health’s mission forward for generations to come.
To make a gift in honor of Dr. Antonucci, visit LeeHealthFoundation.org/Donate and select the Dr. Larry Antonucci Scholarship Endowment Fund from the drop-down menu.
About Lee Health Foundation
Lee Health Foundation raises philanthropic support on behalf of community-focused nonprofit Lee Health to establish, expand, and enhance lifesaving and preventive programs in Southwest Florida. Contributions to the Foundation benefit all five Lee Health hospitals and specialty services. In the past year, the Foundation provided $34+ million in funding to enhance patient care throughout the region. Please visit LeeHealthFoundation.org for more information about the role of Lee Health philanthropy in Southwest Florida.
