Creating Healthier Communities Welcomes Five New Board Members

CHC: Creating Healthier Communities (CHC) has announced the unanimous election of five new members to its national board of directors. The appointments, which took place on February 10, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia, aim to enhance the organization’s mission to improve health outcomes across diverse communities in the United States.

The newly elected board members are distinguished leaders in their respective fields, bringing expertise in healthcare, philanthropy, media, and nonprofit leadership. According to Abu Arif, Chair of the CHC Board of Directors, the addition of these leaders will significantly bolster CHC’s efforts to address barriers to health and expand its impact nationwide.

“We are thrilled to welcome these five exceptional leaders to our board,” Arif stated. “Their collective expertise and leadership will be invaluable as CHC continues to expand our impact.”

Profiles of New Board Members

John Burns serves as Managing Partner at The Burns Brothers, where he leads a portfolio of culturally-driven companies. With over 20 years of experience in cultural marketing and community building, Burns has been instrumental in initiatives aimed at fostering economic mobility across Africa. His work includes projects like HQ Kenya House and Resonate Africa, which focus on tourism and job creation.

Deborah Garcia currently holds the position of Senior Vice President of Strategy at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – ALSAC. In her role, she translates strategic goals into actionable plans that advance pediatric healthcare. Previously, as Chief Development Officer for Doctors Without Borders, she oversaw fundraising that generated more than $2.3 billion. Garcia was also honored with the inaugural New Era of Leadership 2024 Award.

Richard Lui is an award-winning news anchor and the Principal of CAREGenome, a spatial-AI dataset focused on caregiver-recipient interactions. With a background that includes directing Oscar- and Grammy-qualifying films on mental health, Lui also serves as Chief Impact Officer of the Caregiving Moonshot. His extensive experience in caregiving and data utilization in health systems positions him as a vital asset to CHC.

Valerie Simon holds the role of Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Christian Health. She has previously served in similar capacities at Lumeris and Atlantic Health System, bringing strategic insights into community health and healthcare marketing. Simon’s initiatives aim to enhance access to care and support community resilience.

Walter D. Woods is the Senior Vice President of Development and Donor Services at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven. With a career that includes raising over $450 million for various philanthropic initiatives, Woods has worked with organizations such as CVS Health and The World Bank Group. He believes in aligning philanthropy with the voices and needs of the communities served.

Strengthening Community Health Initiatives

The inclusion of these five leaders reflects CHC’s commitment to addressing pressing community health challenges. Jean Accius, PhD, President and CEO of CHC, emphasized the importance of diverse expertise in creating lasting change. “Each brings invaluable experience that will strengthen our ability to create lasting change, ensuring that every person in every community has an opportunity to live their healthiest life,” Accius stated.

CHC has been a driving force in uniting nonprofits, businesses, and communities for nearly 70 years. Its extensive network of over 5,000 partners nationwide works to dismantle barriers to health, ensuring equitable access for all individuals, regardless of their geographic location. The organization continues to pursue its mission with renewed vigor under the guidance of its newly strengthened board of directors.

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