HENRICO, VA (November 9, 2026) – Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA), in collaboration with the University of Richmond, is proud to welcome the 2027 Community Health Center University (CHCU) Leadership Cohort. This year’s class brings together 20 emerging and experienced professionals representing community health centers, free and charitable clinics, and Virginia’s broader safety-net healthcare system.
Selected for their leadership potential and commitment to advancing healthcare in their communities, the 2027 cohort will participate in a year-long professional development experience designed to strengthen leadership skills, expand organizational knowledge and prepare them to address the evolving needs of Virginia’s safety-net healthcare system.
The 2027 CHCU Leadership Cohort includes:
- Carlos Diaz, Henrico Clinic Manager, CrossOver HealthCare Ministry
- Claudia Monrroy, Regional Practice Manager, Central Virginia Health Services
- Daisa Ribeiro Rodrigues, Nurse Supervisor, Neighborhood Health
- Heather Buzzard, Chief Clinical Officer, GoochlandCares
- Dr. Janna Laverdiere, Chief Dental Officer, Johnson Health Center
- Jeff Hodgdon, MPH, MA, LPC, LSATP, Director of Behavioral Health, Healthy Community Health Centers
- Jennifer King, Family Nurse Practitioner, Culmore Clinic
- Juan Gomez, Outreach Coordinator, Eastern Shore Rural Health
- Kelsey Bundick, Center Manager, Eastern Shore Rural Health
- Laura Becker, Program Manager, Perinatal Health Hub, Rockbridge Area Health Center
- Laura Rodriguez, Anchor Nurse / Registered Nurse, Culmore Clinic
- Mary Dalton, Clinical Support Coordinator, Tri-Area Community Health
- Muhammed Mamman, Senior Director of Programs, HealthWorks for Northern Virginia
- Nara Hojvat-Gallin, Cancer Screening Program Manager, Neighborhood Health
- Nicole Maddrey, Certified Medical Coder, Hampton Roads Community Health Center
- Paige Annis, Health Education Coordinator, Eastern Shore Rural Health
- Dr. Robin Langston, Chief Dental Officer, Hampton Roads Community Health Center
- Sarah Menzie, LCSW, Director of Behavioral Health, Daily Planet Health Systems
- Dr. Tehrim Naseer, Chief Dental Officer, Capital Area Health Network
- Tyler Brown, Sr. Recruiter/Workforce Development Specialist, Virginia Community Healthcare Association
Throughout the program, participants will build their leadership capabilities through interactive seminars, individual coaching, peer learning and hands-on applications. The curriculum explores key areas including healthcare operations, organizational leadership, quality improvement, strategic thinking and decision-making.
“Strong leaders are essential to the continued success and sustainability of Virginia’s Community Health Centers and safety-net providers,” said Dr. Angela Taylor, VCHA Director and CHCU Leadership. “CHCU provides participants with an opportunity to step outside their day-to-day roles, broaden their perspective and develop the skills needed to lead with confidence in an increasingly complex healthcare environment. We’re excited to welcome this exceptional group and look forward to seeing how they apply what they learn to their health centers and communities.”
In its fifth year, the CHCU Leadership Program reflects VCHA’s ongoing investment in developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. By bringing together professionals from across the Commonwealth, the program creates opportunities for participants to build relationships, exchange ideas and learn from the experiences of their peers.
For more information about the CHCU Leadership Program, visit www.vcha.org.
ABOUT VIRGINIA COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATION
Virginia Community Healthcare Association (VCHA), established in 1980, is a non-profit membership organization that serves as the primary care association for Virginia’s community health centers and look-alike health centers. VCHA’s mission is to advocate on behalf of, educate and elevate our member health centers by enhancing their ability to provide affordable, accessible, quality healthcare to the communities they serve regardless of their ability to pay. For more information, visit www.vcha.org
