Miami, FL. (April 2026) Independent Living Systems (ILS), a leader in providing person-centered, comprehensive health and social care for vulnerable populations, announced that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nestor Plana, has been appointed to the Florida International University (FIU) Board of Trustees by the Florida Board of Governors.

The appointment reflects Mr. Plana’s longstanding commitment to helping vulnerable populations age in place, strengthening community partnerships in care, and advancing opportunities for future healthcare leaders across South Florida.

His five-year term began January 7, 2026.

“We are proud to welcome Mr. Nestor Plana and Ms. Tila Falic-Levi to the FIU Board of Trustees,” said FIU Board of Trustees Chair Carlos A. Duart in a statement announcing Plana and Falic-Levi, a Miami educator and community advocate, as its newest Trustees. “Both bring distinguished leadership experience and a strong commitment to service, education, and community engagement. Their perspectives and expertise will strengthen the board as FIU continues to advance its mission and impact.”

Plana brings more than 30 years of leadership across healthcare and public-private initiatives. Under his leadership, ILS has evolved into a nationally recognized organization focused on delivering coordinated health and social care to vulnerable populations through its health plans, Florida Community Care and Florida Complete Care.

In 2025 and 2026, ILS was named the largest Latino-owned healthcare company in the United States by Latino Leaders magazine. ILS has also been named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces by Newsweek and was recognized as South Florida Business of the Year by the South Florida Business Journal in 2025.

Prior to founding ILS, Mr. Plana served as the founding President and Chief Operating Officer of Beacon Health Plan in South Florida, where he helped implement one of the state’s first long-term care waiver programs in partnership with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. He also held executive roles at Mercy Hospital Systems and has served in leadership positions across key healthcare organizations and advisory committees in Florida.

Mr. Plana’s leadership has earned widespread national recognition, including being named Ernst & Young’s Health and Life Sciences Entrepreneur of the Year (Florida) in 2016 and Health Care Innovator of the Year by Health Evolution Partners. He has also received the Florida Award in Distinction from the American Federation for Aging Research and was named one of Miami’s Top 50 Business Leaders by U.S. Business Report in 2022.

“I am deeply honored to join FIU’s Board of Trustees and to play a role in advancing an institution that has been so central to the growth and success of our South Florida community,” said Plana. “FIU has long served as a gateway to opportunity and upward mobility for so many families, and I look forward to contributing to its continued excellence and impact.”

As a member of the FIU Board of Trustees, Mr. Plana will help guide the university’s strategic direction, supporting its mission to expand access to education and prepare the next generation of leaders. His appointment further strengthens the connection between South Florida’s academic institutions and the healthcare organizations working to serve its most vulnerable communities.

Media Contacts
Lucio Guerrero
(786) 761-3255
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