CEO

Rafael J. Sciullo assumed his role as CEO of Empath Health in early 2021 with the finalization of the merger of Empath Health and Stratum Health System. In the time since he became the organization’s leader, he expanded its home health program, overseen the expansion of its HIV/STI and senior care services and developed new partnerships with other healthcare and community organizations.

Sciullo blends his propensity for attention to detail and fiscal soundness with heartfelt empathy and concern for patients and families. “There is no more important job humans can do for one another than caring for patients at the end of life,” he says. He believes in staying close to patients and families to know firsthand what’s important to them and understand their needs. He stresses the significance of focus on patients and families with his leadership team and staff. His leadership style may be defined as open and transparent.

As a past chairperson and current board member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) and a recipient of NHPCO’s Founder Award, Sciullo is recognized nationally as a trendsetter in his field. He is a member of Hospice Executive Round Table, a group of hospice leaders who engage in ideas exchange and study ways to advance and enhance hospice care in the United States. Sciullo holds three master’s degrees and was educated at Duns Scotus College, Southfield, Mich, University of San Diego and University of Connecticut.

President

Jonathan D. Fleece, Esq. began serving as President of Empath Health in March 2021 after the merger of Empath Health and Stratum Health System. He became President and CEO of Stratum Health System/Tidewell Hospice in 2018 after serving as President/CEO and a shareholder of Blalock Walters, P.A., in Bradenton and Sarasota.

Fleece is a proven healthcare leader, speaker and visionary whose roots and community involvement run deep in Southwest Florida. He considers his leadership role in hospice and post-acute health care a higher calling. “The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you learn why,” Fleece says, quoting Mark Twain. “Every day I get up, I want to change the world through health care, one patient, one family at a time.”

As a former long-term board member of Tidewell Hospice and Stratum boards, Fleece has been instrumental in the success of both organizations. He promotes the use of industry innovations and collaboration while maintaining focus on one-on-one customer service.

Fleece serves on the board of the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association and is a member of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. He received his J.D. Degree and Certificate in Health Law Studies from Saint Louis University School of Law. Fleece is a former Florida board-certified health care attorney and the co-author of The New Health Age: The Future of Health Care in America, with acclaimed futurist, author, and speaker, David Houle. Fleece and Houle are co-founders of New Health Age Advisors, and Fleece is the founder of tobe4HEALTH.

Empath Health Senior Leadership