Richard E. Carlisle is a distinguished healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and operational strategist whose career spans more than four decades of transformative leadership across healthcare, construction, and nonprofit sectors. Known for his ability to integrate complex systems and drive scalable growth, Richard has consistently demonstrated that long-term success is achieved not through isolated optimization, but through the alignment of strategy, operations, and infrastructure.

Richard’s professional journey began with a strong foundation in building science and architecture, earning his Bachelor of Science from Auburn University. This technical grounding shaped his early career and continues to influence his leadership philosophy today. He approaches organizations as interconnected systems—where infrastructure, people, and processes must work in harmony to achieve sustainable outcomes.

During his tenure at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, one of Florida’s largest public healthcare systems, Richard served as Vice President of Ambulatory and Facilities Development. Over a 15-year period, he was responsible for strategic planning, facility expansion, and capital project execution, managing annual budgets ranging from $25 million to $40 million. His leadership contributed to award-winning facility planning initiatives and strengthened the organization’s long-term operational capabilities.

Transitioning into entrepreneurship, Richard founded and led Carlisle and Company, Inc., a real estate development and construction management firm specializing in complex, high-end architectural projects. As President & CEO, he successfully developed and delivered multimillion-dollar residential and commercial projects, earning recognition in industry publications and establishing a reputation for precision, innovation, and quality execution.

Richard’s career continued to evolve as he joined Gilbane Building Company, one of the world’s leading construction firms, where he served as Director of Healthcare and Miami Area Manager. In this role, he oversaw highly complex healthcare construction projects, including a $50 million electrical infrastructure replacement for a 1,000-bed hospital—completed without disrupting ongoing operations. His ability to manage risk while maintaining continuity further solidified his expertise in operational resilience.

In 2015, Richard stepped into one of the most defining roles of his career as President & CEO of CAN Community Health. At the time, the organization was a regional nonprofit with modest scale. Under his leadership, it experienced extraordinary growth, expanding from 34 employees and $22.7 million in revenue to over 400 employees and $435 million in revenue across seven states. This transformation positioned CAN as the second-largest HIV service provider in the United States and the largest nonprofit organization in Florida.

Beyond financial growth, Richard’s leadership fostered a high-performance culture recognized nationally as a top workplace. He successfully integrated clinical services, pharmacy operations, transportation systems, and compliance frameworks into a unified model of care delivery. His work not only expanded access to healthcare for underserved populations but also established a scalable blueprint for nonprofit healthcare organizations nationwide.

Currently, Richard serves as President & CEO of Carlisle Healthcare, LLC, where he leads a management services organization focused on supporting infectious disease physicians and federally qualified health centers. His work centers on optimizing HRSA 340B programs, building compliance structures, and expanding care delivery models for vulnerable populations. Through strategic partnerships, he continues to drive innovation in healthcare access and operational efficiency.

Richard’s leadership style is defined by clarity, accountability, and results. He is known for his ability to navigate highly regulated environments while maintaining a strong focus on financial performance and organizational integrity. His expertise spans strategic planning, multi-entity operations, regulatory compliance, and large-scale organizational transformation, making him a valuable advisor and board candidate.

In addition to his executive roles, Richard has served on nonprofit boards and worked closely with governance committees, gaining firsthand experience in board relations and organizational oversight. His ability to bridge the gap between board-level strategy and operational execution enables him to provide meaningful contributions in governance settings.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Richard maintains a commitment to personal discipline and balance through activities such as golfing and weight training. These pursuits reflect the same focus and consistency that define his leadership approach—steady, intentional, and results-driven.

Today, Richard is actively seeking board opportunities where he can leverage his extensive experience to support organizations in growth, turnaround, and strategic alignment. He brings a unique perspective shaped by decades of leadership across industries, with a deep understanding of how to build systems that not only function—but thrive.

Character:
Richard demonstrates unwavering integrity in every leadership role he undertakes, consistently aligning decisions with both ethical standards and organizational mission. He leads with accountability, ensuring that outcomes are measurable and responsibilities are clearly defined across all levels of an organization. His commitment to serving underserved populations reflects a deep sense of purpose and responsibility that extends beyond financial performance.

Knowledge:
With over 40 years of experience, Richard possesses a comprehensive understanding of healthcare systems, construction, and nonprofit operations. He has developed expertise in regulatory frameworks, financial management, and multi-entity organizational structures, allowing him to navigate complex environments with confidence. His ability to integrate clinical, operational, and financial knowledge sets him apart as a well-rounded executive leader.

Strategic:
Richard excels at identifying opportunities for growth and designing systems that support long-term scalability. He approaches strategy with a focus on integration, ensuring that every component of an organization contributes to overall success. His track record of transforming organizations into high-performing entities demonstrates his ability to execute strategy with precision and impact.

Communication:
Communicating with clarity and purpose, ensuring alignment across stakeholders, teams, and board members. He is skilled at translating complex concepts into actionable insights, enabling informed decision-making at all levels. His direct and transparent communication style fosters trust, collaboration, and organizational cohesion.