Greater Lawrence Family Health Center’s (GLFHC) new president and chief executive officer is well known throughout the community and has spent decades improving the health of patients across the Merrimack Valley.
After a nationwide search, GLFHC’s Board selected Zandra Kelley, MD, as the health center’s new leader. Kelley has been serving as Chief Medical Officer for six years and is a graduate of GLFHC’s Lawrence Family Medicine Residency program (Class of 2006). She follows Interim President & CEO Steven Paris, MD, who came out of retirement last year to lead the health center while the search for a permanent leader was underway.
“Dr. Kelley brings to this role a deep and longstanding commitment to the mission and values of GLFHC,” said GLFHC Board Chair Rosa Piña, who is also a patient of the health center. “She is a distinguished alumna of our Family Medicine Residency Program, a cornerstone of our organization that has trained hundreds of primary care physicians dedicated to serving underserved communities. After completing her residency, Dr. Kelley continued to serve GLFHC as a dedicated primary care physician, building strong relationships with patients and earning the respect of colleagues across all levels of the organization.”
Kelley has worked at the health center since 2003, and her previous positions include Medical Director, Vice President of Clinical Affairs for the former Merrimack Valley Accountable Care Organization, Chief of Family Medicine at Lawrence General Hospital, and a faculty member for Lawrence Family Medicine Residency. As Chief Medical Officer, she continued to practice full spectrum primary care family medicine and continued inpatient work as well at Lawrence General Hospital while working as a faculty member and administrator.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Greater Lawrence Family Health Center,” Kelley said. “GLFHC has long been a cornerstone of a vibrant and engaged community, with strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of all who live here. I am inspired by the passion and dedication of the staff, Board of Directors, and community partners and look forward to working together as we continue advancing our mission. In the face of current challenges and those ahead, we remain focused, united, and unwavering in our service to the community.”
Kelley was born in Oak Park, Ill., and earned her bachelor’s and medical degrees from the University of Chicago prior to arriving at the Lawrence Family Medicine Residency Program to complete residency. During her 20-plus years at GLFHC, she has loved teaching and learning from patients, resident physician learners, and colleagues about walking with this community on a path to health and wellness.
“Working at GLFHC this past year has been a highlight of my decades long career,” said Interim President Paris. “GLFHC is a shining example of a superb health care organization with compassion and caring for the community. I could not be more pleased that Zandra has been chosen as our new CEO. She will bring the experience and caring for the Greater Lawrence community to this new challenge. She is the right person to lead GLFHC into the future.”
Kelley assumes the role of CEO on September 1.