Suncoast Hospice Names Rafael Sciullo New President & CEO

CLEARWATER, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The board of directors of Suncoast Hospice and its family of programs is pleased to announce that Rafael “Rafe” Sciullo (pronounced shoolow) has been chosen to lead the organization as president and CEO. He succeeds the late Mary J. Labyak, who died in February this year.

“There is no more important job humans can do for one another than caring for patients at the end of life.”

For the past 26 years, Sciullo has been a leader in hospice and palliative care predominantly in the Northeast. Since 2001, he has served as president and CEO of Family Hospice and Palliative Care, Pittsburgh, one of the largest organizations of its kind in Pennsylvania.

“It was critical for us to find someone with a passionate commitment to our patients and families – someone with vision for the future and the ability to lead Suncoast in the era of healthcare reform,” said Kelli Hanley Crabb, board chair. “We believe we have found that person in Rafe.”

“Rafe has been a champion of end-of-life care for many years. He is a compassionate, collaborative leader ideally suited to take our organization to the next level,” said Betty Oldanie, who has served as acting president and CEO of Suncoast since Ms. Labyak’s death.

“I knew Mary and served on a board with her. I have great respect for what she accomplished at Suncoast. Suncoast Hospice is a national leader in hospice and palliative care because of Mary’s drive and commitment to her patients,” Sciullo said. “There is no more important job humans can do for one another than caring for patients at the end of life.”

Sciullo received his undergraduate degree from Duns Scotus College, Southfield, Mich., followed by a Master of Arts degree from the University of San Diego and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut. He also earned a master’s in healthcare management from the Hartford Graduate Center in Conn.

Sciullo is past president and chairperson of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and recipient of NHPCO’s Founder Award. He will begin his duties at Suncoast on February 1, 2013.

Founded 35 years ago by volunteers, Suncoast Hospice is a community-based, not-for-profit organization committed to serving individuals and families. Its mission of care focuses on persons with chronic or serious illnesses and extends to those acting as caregivers or working through grief and trauma. In addition to providing care in private homes and apartments, Suncoast Hospice serves those who reside in nursing homes, ALFs, hospice houses, hospitals and other settings. Suncoast Hospice serves 68 percent of the people who die in its service area. To contact Suncoast Hospice, please call 727 HOSPICE (467-7423) or logon to http://www.suncoasthospice.org/.