The Link Podcast

In this episode of our FQHC leadership podcast, we sit down with John Browne, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Operating Officer at CHAS Health, to unpack what it takes to scale a Federally Qualified Health Center in today’s challenging environment. John shares his two‑decade journey at CHAS Health and offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the organization grew from a two‑exam‑room clinic into a...

In this episode of our FQHC leadership podcast, Karen Hughes sits down with Manal El Harrak, CEO of Sadler Health Center, to discuss what it means to lead a growing health center through complexity, expansion, and operational pressure. Manal shares her perspective on the CEO role as a systems architect—building the structure, accountability, and alignment that make strong performance sustainable a...

This episode explores how FQHC leaders can scale their organizations without losing their mission. Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes speak with Alice Riener, CEO of CrescentCare in New Orleans, about the real challenges of growing a community health center, managing rapid expansion, and aligning funding with long-term strategy. If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare leader dealing with growth,...

This episode focuses on one of the biggest challenges in healthcare today: the rural physician shortage and what FQHC leaders can do about it. Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes speak with Dr. Ted Epperly, CEO of Full Circle Health, about building sustainable workforce solutions through residency programs, physician training, and community-based care models. If you lead a community health cent...

This episode explores what it really takes to grow into a CEO role within an FQHC and lead a community health center effectively. Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes speak with Janelle Dunn, CEO of True Health in Central Florida, about her path from center manager to CEO and the leadership lessons learned along the way. If you are an FQHC leader navigating growth, team development, or community...

This episode explores how FQHC leaders can scale their organizations while maintaining financial stability and operational control. Joel Hughes speaks with Steve Clark, CEO of Valley View Health, about building a community health center from a single site into a multi-location organization serving thousands of patients. If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare leader focused on growth, financial strat...

This episode focuses on the metrics and leadership decisions that drive real performance in FQHCs and community health centers. Joel Hughes speaks with Jodi Joyce, CEO of UnityCare, about how healthcare leaders can balance financial performance with quality care while managing complex patient populations. If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare executive dealing with cash flow pressure, operational c...

This episode explores how community health centers grow, adapt, and sustain impact over time, including the role of FQHC look-alike status. Joel Hughes speaks with Rhonda Hauff, CEO of Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (YNHS), about her 40+ year leadership journey and the strategic decisions that shaped the organization’s growth. If you are an FQHC or community health center leader navigating ex...

This episode explores the real operational and leadership challenges facing rural FQHCs and community health centers. Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes speak with Peter Theobald about his experience working across outreach, billing, IT, human resources, and operations within community health organizations. If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare leader navigating rural access challenges, operati...

This episode shares key lessons from 25 years of working with FQHCs and community health centers across the country. Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes reflect on the evolution of Community Link Consulting and what they’ve learned about leadership, financial performance, and operational success in FQHCs. If you are an FQHC CEO or healthcare leader navigating growth, financial pressure, or indu...

This trailer introduces The Link Podcast, focused on leadership, financial strategy, and real-world challenges in community health centers. Hosted by Karen Creveling-Hughes and Joel Hughes, the podcast features conversations with FQHC and CHC leaders on governance, growth, and what it takes to navigate increasing complexity in today’s healthcare environment. Follow along for insights from leaders...