CHC: Creating Healthier Communities Welcomes Five New Leaders to Its National Board

CHC Expands Leadership for Healthier Communities

In a significant boost to its mission, CHC: Creating Healthier Communities has elected five exceptional leaders to its national board of directors. This decision aims to fortify the organization's commitment to improving health outcomes across various communities in the nation. With a wealth of experience in healthcare, philanthropy, nonprofit management, and media, these new board members are poised to drive strategic initiatives that align with CHC's goals.

The Newly Elected Members

CHC's national board now includes:
1. John Burns - An acclaimed entrepreneur and attorney, Burns is the Managing Partner at The Burns Brothers, where he oversees a portfolio of culturally-focused enterprises that merge hospitality with economic development initiatives, particularly in Africa. His strong focus on cultural marketing and community-building positions him well to provide valuable insights into CHC's outreach strategies.

2. Deborah Garcia - Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Strategy for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital-ALSAC, Garcia has extensive experience in transforming mission-driven ambitions into actionable strategies. Her prior role as Chief Development Officer for Doctors Without Borders allowed her to raise significant funds to support global health initiatives, highlighting her capability to influence and advance CHC's funding objectives.

3. Richard Lui - An influential news anchor and caregiving ambassador, Lui combines his media background with a keen focus on data-driven health solutions. Through his role as Principal of CAREGenome and Chief Impact Officer at the Caregiving Moonshot, he works on utilizing data to better understand caregiving dynamics. His experience in raising awareness on mental health will enhance CHC's advocacy efforts.

4. Valerie Simon - As Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Communications Officer at Christian Health, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge in healthcare marketing and communications. Her strategic insight into community health and access to care will be vital as CHC continues to develop its messaging and outreach strategies. She has previously worked to strengthen community resilience across various healthcare services.

5. Walter D. Woods - A recognized leader in nonprofit management, Woods has an impressive track record of raising significant funds for community projects over the years. His belief in centering philanthropy around community needs aligns perfectly with CHC's mission. His previous experiences at CVS Health and The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven allow him to bring a strong philanthropic lens to CHC’s initiatives.

Impacts of New Leadership

The addition of these leaders is seen as a vital step towards addressing some of the most urgent challenges facing community health today. Abu Arif, Chair of the CHC Board of Directors, remarked, "These exceptional leaders will bring a unique perspective and proven track records of effecting meaningful change to our board. Their collective expertise will be invaluable as we work to expand our impact on health inequalities across the nation."

Jean Accius, President and CEO of CHC, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that their experience will enhance CHC's ability to implement sustainable, impactful changes that promote health and well-being for every individual.

A Legacy of Impact

For nearly 70 years, CHC has been dedicated to uniting various stakeholders, including nonprofits, businesses, and communities, to drive scalable health improvements. The organization boasts a robust network of over 5,000 partners nationwide, focusing on dismantling barriers to better health and ensuring equitable access to quality health resources for all individuals, regardless of demographic or zipcode.

The recent board expansions represent a strategic move towards not only addressing immediate health concerns but also paving the way for longitudinal strategies that bolster community health initiatives across the country. As CHC continues to forge ahead, the inclusion of these new leaders promises a future where robust community health initiatives can thrive, advocating for healthier lives for every person in their respective communities.

For more information about CHC and its initiatives, visit chcimpact.org or follow them on social media @chcimpact.