NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Director of Capital Design and Construction Yunjung Lee Recognized by Crain’s New York Business as a 2026 Notable Leader in Architecture
Lee recognized for recognized for advancing critical infrastructure, behavioral health modernization, and patient safety projects while overseeing more than $350 million in capital improvements
Jun 08, 2026
NYC Health + Hospitals today announced that Yunjung Lee, Director of Capital Design and Construction at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, has been named to Crain’s New York Business’ 2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction list. The recognition honors accomplished professionals who are shaping the built environment through leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to their organizations and the communities they serve. Honorees are selected by Crain’s editors based on their professional achievements, industry impact, and commitment to advancing their field.
As Director of Capital Design and Construction at Bellevue Hospital, Lee oversees the planning and execution of healthcare infrastructure projects across the historic campus. Since assuming her leadership role in 2022, she has grown Bellevue Hospital’s capital project team from one to seven professionals and manages more than 40 active projects with a combined value exceeding $350 million.
“Yunjung’s leadership has been instrumental in modernizing Bellevue Hospital’s infrastructure while ensuring that patient care remains uninterrupted in one of the nation’s busiest public hospitals,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Eric Wei, MD, MBA. “Her ability to manage highly complex projects, build a strong and diverse team, and align construction work with the operational needs of a 24/7 healthcare environment has strengthened Bellevue Hospital’s future and improved the care experience for our patients and staff. We are proud to see her recognized by Crain’s.”
“Healthcare facilities have a direct impact on the patient experience, staff wellbeing, and our ability to deliver exceptional care,” said Yunjung Lee, Director of Capital Design and Construction at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “I am honored to receive this recognition and grateful to work alongside dedicated colleagues who help transform ideas into projects that make Bellevue Hospital safer, more efficient, and better prepared to serve New Yorkers for generations to come.”
Among Lee’s most significant accomplishments are the development of Bellevue Hospital’s capital project management program and the simultaneous while simultaneously delivering complex hospital modernization projects. Her portfolio includes a $20 million cooling tower replacement, anti-ligature safety renovations across six behavioral health units totaling more than 150 beds, major facility upgrades, and critical infrastructure improvements that have strengthened patient safety and operational resilience throughout the hospital.
“Lee has been an exceptional partner in advancing Bellevue Hospital’s operational and strategic priorities through thoughtful, patient-centered capital investments,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Operating Officer Erfan Karim, MPH. “Whether modernizing behavioral health units, strengthening critical infrastructure, or enhancing the safety and functionality of our clinical environment, she has a remarkable ability to align complex construction projects with the needs of patients, staff, and hospital operations. Her collaborative leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to excellence have helped Bellevue Hospital deliver projects that enhance safety, strengthen resiliency, and improve the care environment across our campus. This recognition is a testament to her outstanding contributions and the lasting impact of her work on the future of Bellevue Hospital.”
Lee brings 15 years of experience in architecture, construction, and healthcare project management. She holds a Master of Architecture and a Master of Construction Management from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University at Buffalo, SUNY.
A dedicated mentor, Lee has participated in the ACE Mentor Program and supports emerging professionals in architecture, engineering, and construction. She is a strong advocate for advancing women, minorities, and diverse leaders in the built environment while fostering collaboration between healthcare operations and project delivery teams.
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MEDIA CONTACT: BellevuePublicRelations@nychhc.org, 212-562-4516;
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About NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue is America’s oldest public hospital, established in 1736. Affiliated with the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, the 851-bed hospital is a major referral center for highly complex cases, with 6,000 employees including highly skilled, interdisciplinary clinical staff. The hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and annually it sees about 110,000 emergency room visits, and more than 520,000 outpatient visits. Clinical centers of excellence include: Emergency Medicine and Trauma Care; Cardiovascular Services; Bariatric Surgery; Designated Regional Perinatal Center and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; Children’s Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program; and Cancer Services. For more information, visit https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/bellevue/ and follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter).
About NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is the largest municipal health care system in the nation serving more than a million New Yorkers annually in more than 70 patient care locations across the city’s five boroughs. A robust network of outpatient, neighborhood-based primary and specialty care centers anchors care coordination with the system’s trauma centers, nursing homes, post-acute care centers, home care agency, and MetroPlusHealth—all supported by 11 essential hospitals. Its diverse workforce of more than 46,000 employees is uniquely focused on empowering New Yorkers, without exception, to live the healthiest life possible. For more information, visit www.nychealthandhospitals.org and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.