Strategic partnership launches CIO Leadership Exchange to empower IT leaders with AI, data, and digital transformation expertise across community health centers nationwide
The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and NextGen Healthcare have announced a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening digital innovation and operational excellence across Community Health Centers (CHCs) throughout the United States. This collaboration represents a forward-looking effort to equip healthcare leaders with the tools, knowledge, and leadership capabilities necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven healthcare landscape.
At the heart of this partnership is the launch of a first-of-its-kind Leadership Exchange program specifically designed for Chief Information Officers (CIOs), IT directors, and healthcare administrators responsible for shaping technology strategies within CHCs. This initiative is intended to serve as a dynamic platform for leadership development, peer collaboration, and knowledge sharing, helping participants stay ahead of rapid advancements in healthcare technology, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital infrastructure.
Community Health Centers play a vital role in the U.S. healthcare system, forming the largest primary care network in the country. Collectively, CHCs serve approximately 52 million people—roughly one in seven Americans—and employ a workforce of over 326,000 individuals. These centers are often at the forefront of delivering accessible, high-quality care to underserved populations, making their ability to adapt to technological change especially critical.
The partnership between NACHC and NextGen Healthcare reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that CHCs are not only equipped with advanced technological tools but are also led by skilled professionals who can effectively implement and manage these innovations. As healthcare systems increasingly rely on digital solutions to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance care coordination, the role of IT leadership within CHCs has become more important than ever.
Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC, emphasized the importance of investing in leadership development within community health centers. He noted that CHCs are among the most innovative segments of the healthcare system and highlighted the urgent need to support CIOs and digital health leaders who are operating on the frontlines of primary care. With the rapid evolution of technologies such as AI, Rhee underscored that strong leadership is essential to ensure that CHCs remain both highly trusted by their communities and technologically advanced.
Similarly, Srinivas (Sri) Velamoor, President and CEO of NextGen Healthcare, highlighted the significance of the collaboration in driving meaningful progress across the healthcare ecosystem. He described the partnership as a convergence of two organizations deeply committed to helping community health centers thrive. According to Velamoor, the joint effort will focus not only on advancing technology capabilities but also on cultivating a new generation of IT leaders capable of leveraging innovation to improve care quality and patient outcomes.
One of the key components of this initiative is the CIO Leadership Exchange, which is designed to provide participants with practical skills and strategic insights. The program will enable CHC IT leaders to effectively harness data, artificial intelligence, and other emerging digital tools. By doing so, the initiative aims to ensure that technology implementations are aligned with the needs of patients, healthcare providers, and the broader community.
Luis Padilla, MD, Chief Health Officer at NACHC, reinforced the idea that community health centers have long been recognized for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. He pointed out that as healthcare becomes increasingly data-driven and technology-enabled, there is a growing need for leaders who can integrate digital tools into care delivery models. The Leadership Exchange program is expected to help participants build on existing strengths, enhance care coordination, and further advance the whole-person care approach that CHCs are known for.
From a clinical and performance perspective, the role of technology in improving outcomes is already evident. Robert Murry, PhD, MD, Chief Medical Officer at NextGen Healthcare, highlighted that CHCs consistently outperform other ambulatory care providers on key preventive care measures, such as screenings for obesity, tobacco use, and depression. These screenings are essential first steps in delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care.
Murry also pointed to data from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Uniform Data System (HRSA UDS), which indicates that CHCs and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) utilizing NextGen Healthcare’s technology solutions are achieving even higher performance levels. These organizations are not only meeting but exceeding benchmarks, setting new standards for quality and preventive care. According to Murry, the expanded partnership with NACHC represents the next phase in supporting CHCs to reach even greater heights.
The importance of strong IT leadership was further emphasized by Isaiah Nathaniel, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Delaware Valley Community Health, Inc., who also serves as a faculty advisor for the Leadership Exchange program. Nathaniel stressed that technology leadership is a critical factor in the long-term strategic success of CHCs and FQHCs. He explained that the program aims to train leaders who go beyond simply purchasing technology solutions, focusing instead on developing individuals who can strategically position their organizations at the cutting edge of innovation.
The CIO Leadership Exchange will feature a comprehensive curriculum designed to address real-world challenges faced by healthcare IT leaders. Participants will engage with subject matter experts and innovators from across the healthcare ecosystem, gaining exposure to a wide range of topics essential for modern healthcare leadership.
Key areas of focus will include artificial intelligence and machine learning, where participants will learn how to integrate advanced analytics into clinical and operational workflows. Cybersecurity and risk management will also be a major component, reflecting the growing importance of protecting sensitive patient data in an increasingly digital environment.
Interoperability—particularly standards such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR)—will be another critical area, enabling healthcare systems to share and utilize data more effectively. The program will also address strategic executive influence, helping IT leaders communicate effectively with senior leadership and drive organizational change.
Additional topics will include population health management and value-based care, which are becoming central to healthcare delivery models. Participants will also explore infrastructure, cloud computing, and virtualization, gaining insights into how modern IT systems can support scalable and efficient operations.
Recognizing that leadership extends beyond technical expertise, the curriculum will also emphasize communication skills, interpersonal effectiveness, and governance. Participants will learn how to engage with boards and executive teams, as well as manage IT financial resources effectively.
Applications for the Leadership Exchange program are expected to open later this year, with NACHC encouraging technology leaders from all community health centers to apply. By bringing together a diverse group of professionals, the program aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and shared learning across the CHC network.
Ultimately, the partnership between NACHC and NextGen Healthcare represents a significant step forward in strengthening the digital capabilities of community health centers. By investing in leadership development and providing access to cutting-edge knowledge and tools, the initiative seeks to ensure that CHCs remain resilient, innovative, and well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
As healthcare continues to undergo rapid transformation, efforts like this highlight the critical role of collaboration in driving progress. Through this partnership, NACHC and NextGen Healthcare are not only supporting today’s healthcare leaders but also shaping the future of care delivery across the nation.
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.
About NextGen Healthcare
NextGen Healthcare is the technology partner for diverse ambulatory practices with evolving business needs. We combine performance at scale with the operational flexibility practices need to adapt, grow and thrive. Our intelligent, integrated solutions help practices navigate complexity with confidence—improving operations, driving sustainable financial progress, and supporting clinicians, staff and patients across the care continuum. With NextGen, practices are prepared for whatever comes next.
