Progressive Community Health Centers, Inc. (PCHC) Board of Directors has appointed Candice Cole-Smith, MBA as its new chief executive officer, effective Sept. 18, 2023. PCHC’s current CEO, Jenni Sevenich, announced her departure in January.
Cole-Smith has been with the company since 2010 and has served as chief financial officer since 2014. As CFO, Cole-Smith streamlined and refined finance and billing operations, resulting in an 88% increase in cash flows, oversaw a New Market Tax Credit financing arrangement for a new clinic, improved compliance and strengthened internal controls, among other accomplishments. In addition, Cole-Smith is experienced in operations, leadership development, and technology enhancement.
“It was a competitive process, but in the end the choice was clear, “ Albert Cooper, board chairman, said. “Candice is already familiar with the intricacies of community health care finance, services, leadership, and personnel. We are excited to see where she takes the organization.”
Cole-Smith assumes the role as the organization innovates with its approaches to diabetic care, clinical pharmacy, and maternal health. The organization was awarded the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association’s 2022 Performance Excellence Award for eliminating racial disparity in uncontrolled diabetes among patients.
As a Milwaukee native, Cole-Smith is thrilled to lead an organization that serves her community in a profound way. “Growing up I was a recipient of community health care services,” Cole-Smith said. “It’s a full-circle moment to become CEO of Progressive.”
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