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Family Health Center of Worcester Appoints Four New Board Members, Including Former Worcester Mayor Joseph C. O’Brien

The new members include Former Mayor O’Brien, a Former FQHC Leader, a Medical Provider, and a Marketing Leader from the region.

WORCESTER, Mass. – Family Health Center of Worcester, a federally qualified community health center, today announced the appointment of four new members to the board of directors, adding to the 15 existing community leaders on the board. The new board members, Former Mayor O’Brien, Joseph Kahoro, Caitlin Lubelczyk, and Amelia (Lia) Spiliotes, were voted in as part of the July 2023 meeting of the Board of Directors.

“As part of Family Health Center of Worcester’s continued revitalization journey, we sought emerging leaders and proven professionals that would bolster our dedicated Board of Directors,” said Louis Brady, president and CEO of Family Health Center of Worcester. “Former Mayor O’Brien, Amelia, Joseph, and Caitlin each bring unique viewpoints, are tapped into the region’s rich and complex communities, and are committed to helping Family Health Center better serve our community. I look forward to partnering with them as we work to realize our strategic vision.”

Board members

“Having served on this board for over a decade, I have witnessed the continued-evolution of Family Health Center of Worcester as it strives to meet the ever-growing needs of our community.” said Joseph Scardino, Esq., Chairman. “We are honored to welcome these four accomplished leaders to our board, I am confident they will bring immense value to the health center and will take active roles in building a bright future for the entire community.”

Joseph C. O’Brien is a political and community organizer with over 30 years of experience. He has served as the Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts, a City Councilor, and the Executive Director of the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund. O’Brien is a respected leader in the community, and he is known for his integrity and his commitment to social justice. He is currently the Political & Legislative Director for the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.

“I am honored to join the board of directors at Family Health Center of Worcester. As a lifelong public servant and former mayor of this city, I have a deep understanding of the health care challenges facing our residents,” said Mr. O’Brien. “I know that Family Health Center is a critical resource for our community, and I am committed to working with the board and staff to ensure that it continues to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to everyone in need.”

Joseph Kahoro is currently a physician assistant at Harrington HealthCare system in Southbridge, serving as a primary care provider at Harrington Hospital. He has been with the hospital for over 5 years. Kahoro is also an active and engaged member of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce.

“Growing up in Worcester and now working in Southbridge, I understand first-hand the needs of patients that Family Health Center of Worcester serves,” said Kahoro. “I look forward to working as part of the board of directors to strengthen the long-term effectiveness of the Health Center and empower their dedicated care teams to serve as many individuals and families as possible.”

Executive Leader Amelia (Lia) Spiliotes joins the Family Health Center board of directors with over 20 years of experience, including a wealth of expertise specific to leading Federally Qualified Health Center. Most recently, she was the Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Programs in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.

“I am honored to join the board of directors of Family Health Center of Worcester. I have long admired the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to the underserved communities of Worcester,” said Spiliotes. “As a former CEO of a federally qualified health center, I am passionate about delivering on the promise of health equity. I believe that Family Health Center of Worcester is a leader in this important work, and I am excited to contribute my skills and experience to help the organization continue to thrive.”

Caitlin Lubelczyk comes to Family Health Center of Worcester with more than a decade of marketing and public relations experience in the healthcare, education, and non-profit fields. She is currently the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“Having worked in the healthcare industry in the region for over 10 years, I have seen firsthand the important work that Family Health Center does to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to the underserved communities of Worcester.,” said Lubelczyk. “In my current leadership role within the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, I am deeply embedded at the cross-section of business and public policy. I am hopeful that I can leverage my experience to help Family Health Center deepen its relationships throughout the community and support its pursuit of achieving health equity.”

About Family Health Center of Worcester

Family Health Center of Worcester is a distinguished Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) serving the residents of Worcester. With a mission to improve the health and well-being of all residents, especially culturally diverse populations, the center provides affordable, integrated, and high-quality primary healthcare and social services, regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Family Health Center of Worcester operates from its main site at 26 Queen Street and extends its care through seven school health centers in Worcester, MA. Additionally, Family Health Center of Worcester operates the Homeless Outreach Advocacy Project (HOAP) at 199 Chandler Street and administers the Women Infant Children (WIC) nutrition program at five sites in the Greater Worcester area.

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For Media Inquiries:

Nic DiBella

Director of Marketing & Communications

Family Health Center of Worcester

Nicolas.DiBella@fhcw.org