Greater Family Health announces leadership change; CEO to retire, COO to step in
CEO Bob Tanner retiring; COO V. Guadalupe (Lupe) Fonseca to step in as CEO.
Greater Family Health, the fifth largest Community Health Center in the state of Illinois, has announced the unanimous appointment of V. Guadalupe (Lupe) Fonseca as its next chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2024. Lupe will assume the role from Bob Tanner, who has announced his retirement after 19 years of being the president/CEO of Greater Family Health.
Tanner will remain as president of Greater Family Health, providing Lupe with further training and mentorship, until Oct. 18, 2024. Lupe will then be appointed president & CEO of Greater Family Health — on Oct. 19, 2024.
Lupe's appointment to CEO is a reflection of her many professional and personal attributes including her vast educational background, which includes a MBA, Master's in Health Service Administration, and a BSc in psychology, as well as her deep-rooted understanding of the organization, cultivated since her initial role as practice manager with Greater Family Health in 2005. Since then, Lupe has also successfully engaged in the responsibilities of chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Her comprehensive knowledge of the organization's financial management, operations, and strategic vision will be instrumental in Greater Family Health's continued growth and success.
“An accomplished and effective leader, the board is thrilled to have Lupe, such a talented executive, already employed in the organization!” said Debbie Everett, board chair. “Her intimate awareness of the organization, commitment to excellence and superb credentials are just some of the many reasons the Board is so excited for Greater Family Health's future.”
In her new role, Lupe will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Greater Family Health's strategy and operations, continuing its mission of providing quality affordable health care to all, regardless of their ability to pay.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the board of directors and to Bob, whose dedication and leadership have made Greater Family Health what it is today,” said Lupe in a statement. “I am committed to upholding the legacy of excellence that has been established. I pledge to ensure the continued provision of quality and affordable health care to those who need it most. Our strength lies in our diversity, and our power is rooted in our compassion. Together, we can create a healthier world for all, regardless of their ability to pay.”
Greater Family Health is the area's premier Federally Qualified Health Center, providing a comprehensive range of high-quality, affordably priced, fully integrated primary care services to almost 70,000 area residents by over 225,000 medical, behavioral health and oral health appointments annually. Operating 11 Community Health Centers in five Northeastern Illinois counties, the organization is accredited by The Joint Commission, Primary Care Medical Home certified, repeatedly nationally recognized for both its health outcomes and cost efficiency and provides care regardless of the patient's ability to pay.