New Leadership for NACHC: Felix Valbuena Steps into Chair of the Board Role

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael King, 240-571-9542

BETHESDA, MD - September 3, 2026 - Felix M. Valbuena, Jr., MD, DABFM, FAAFP, Chief Executive Officer of Community Health and Social Services (CHASS) Center in Detroit, Mich., has become Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). Previously the clinician representative to the NACHC Board, Dr. Valbuena assumed his new leadership role during NACHC's annual CHI Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. Dr. Valbuena has been affiliated with the CHASS Center for nearly four decades. He started as a social worker and then a family physician before stepping into the role of Chief Medical Officer. Now CEO, Dr. Valbuena strives to create lasting change for communities by developing people, strengthening organizations, and advancing policy that centers affordable, effective and comprehensive healthcare for all.

"My purpose is to ensure every person, regardless of income, language, or circumstance, has access to compassionate high-quality healthcare that empowers them to live healthier and more fulfilling lives," said Dr. Valbuena. "Success is measured by healthier families, stronger communities, and people who have access to care they once thought was out of reach. Community Health Centers represent healthcare at its best, and I am honored to have this opportunity to serve the health center movement as NACHC's Board Chair."

Dr. Valbuena assumes his new role as NACHC launches its Triple Double campaign: double the investment in primary care, double the reach of primary care, and double the next generation of the primary care workforce. Community Health Centers (CHCs) serve a record 52.3 million unique patients over the past three years across over 17,000 locations with a workforce of 334,000. The Triple Double provides the roadmap to strengthen and transform the US health system.

"We're fortunate to have Felix as our Board Chair at such a pivotal time for both NACHC and the primary care landscape," said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC. "He is a proven champion for Community Health Centers at the local, state, and national levels, and I know he will continue to be an exemplary leader as NACHC advances the work of the nation's largest primary care network."

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About NACHC

NACHC's mission is to champion Community Health Centers delivering affordable, effective, comprehensive primary care that is community-driven and improves health for all. For more information, visit www.nachc.org.