
President and CEO
Rafael J. Sciullo assumed his role as president and CEO of Empath Health in early February, 2013. In the time since he became the organization’s leader, he has refocused its inpatient care centers, expanded its home health program, overseen growth in the Suncoast PACE program and developed new partnerships with other health care 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.
Empath Health Senior Leadership

Cathi oversees Durable Medical Equipment (DME); Infusion Services; Pharmacy; and Medical Equipment and Supplies

Wade oversees Human Resources; Center for Learning; and Facilities

Lynne oversees IT; Telehealth; Emergency Management; and Special Missions Projects

Karen oversees Professional and Community Relations; Diversity Programs; Veterans Services; and Volunteer Services.

Jennifer oversees PACE; Home Health; Private Duty; Adult Day Care; and Elder Services

Scott oversees Strategic Planning; Business Development; Public Policy; Admissions; Intake; Switchboard


Laura is the Ethics and Compliance Officer; HIPAA Privacy Officer; oversees risk management and High Reliability Organization efforts; and Health Information Management

Stacy oversees EPIC; Community Counseling; Pediatric Services; and Population Health

Marci oversees Patient Care Teams; Crisis Care; Inpatient Care Centers; Supplemental Staffing; Integrative Medicine Clinic; and Bereavement, Social Work and Spiritual Care

Kathy oversees Fundraising; Resale Stores; Planned Giving; Endowment; Grants; Special Events; and Marketing and Communications
Empath Health Board Members
Ben Hayes, Chair
Linda Plaster, Vice Chair
Patrick Barmore, Secretary
Chad Whetstone, Treasurer
Kelli Hanley Crabb, Esq., Past Chair
Rafael J. Sciullo, President & CEO
Mary Jean Etten, Ed.D.
Michael Gaines
Deborah Nicklaus