TAMPA, Fla. — H. Lee Moffitt, founder of Moffitt Cancer Center, one of the nation’s leading cancer care and research institutions, was recognized as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year at the governor’s luncheon Feb. 6 at the Florida State Fair. The Tampa Metro Civitan Club has honored a community leader with the award each year since 1927.
Lee Moffitt is a visionary leader who championed crucial legislation for all Floridians while he served as speaker of the Florida House. But it was his personal battle with cancer that has shaped his most enduring legacy. Motivated by the loss of dear friends to the disease — people who had to leave the state to seek cancer care — he was singularly focused on establishing a world-class treatment center in Florida. Through tireless advocacy and skillful negotiation, he secured state funding to bring this vision to life.
In 1986, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute opened its doors. Today, the cancer center employs 10,000 of the best and brightest minds. More than 97,000 people were treated at the cancer center in 2024. It’s the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in Florida, highlighting the depth and breadth of innovative research that is dedicated to finding a cure.
Moffitt Cancer Center continues to expand to reach more patients. Moffitt at SouthShore in Ruskin opened Jan. 27. SPEROS FL, a 775-acre global innovation life sciences campus being built in Pasco County, is poised to become the cell and gene therapy capital of the world. In the first phase, Moffitt is building an outpatient and proton therapy center expected to open in 2026.
“Lee’s commitment to improving the lives of Floridians has never wavered, and the impact on the Tampa Bay region and the entire state of Florida is immeasurable,” said Patrick Hwu, M.D., president and CEO of Moffitt. “He is a dedicated public servant and a tireless advocate for cancerresearch and treatment. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Lee Moffitt has received numerous accolades, including the BioFlorida and Leadership Florida Lifetime Achievement Award, Tampa Bay Chamber’s H.L. Culbreath Jr. Profile in Leadership Award and Florida Trend’s Florida Icon profile.
