October 1, 2021 – With more than 25 years of healthcare and leadership experience, Kristie Huff, MSN, RN, has been appointed to the role of chief nursing and operations executive at HealthPark Medical Center.
Huff previously served as Lee Health’s system director of patient care services from May 2005 to November 2011 before joining Care Logistics as chief nursing executive and senior vice president of transformation.
In her new role, Huff will be responsible for assisting in fulfilling the mission, plans and objectives for the provision of high quality, cost-effective care. She will also oversee all hospital operations throughout the facility, jointly with HealthPark’s chief physician executive, Eric Appelgren, M.D., in addition to ensuring overall quality of medical care while supporting a culture of performance, quality, service, accountability, and transparency for clinicians and staff across the institution.
“Kristie is a proven leader, and her experience, dedication and commitment to providing the highest quality of care to the patients we serve made her the right choice for the role of HealthPark’s chief nursing and operations executive,” said Armando Llechu, Lee Health’s chief officer hospital operations and women and children’s services. “I have no doubt Kristie will excel in this position.”
Huff earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Florida and her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix.
Huff began her new position in early September.
The role was previously held by Darcy Allen, MBA, BSN, RN, who is transitioning from the role of chief nursing and operations executive at HealthPark Medical Center to chief nursing and operations executive at Gulf Coast Medical Center. Allen will fill the role that Jennifer Higgins, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, has continued to serve at Gulf Coast Medical Center since being promoted to Lee Health’s chief nursing officer earlier this year.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Staffed by caring people, inspiring health, services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.
