HARRISBURG — Concluding a national search the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) announced the appointment of Shelley Riser as its next president and CEO, effective July 1.

As PACHC president and CEO, Riser will be responsible for leading the largest network of primary healthcare providers in Pennsylvania. This network includes Community Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics and other like-mission providers that collectively serve more than a million patients in Pennsylvania each year.

Riser will guide PACHC in its mission to support health centers in improving health equity and access to quality, affordable primary medical, dental and behavioral health care and other health-enhancing services.

“With a background spanning from bedside to boardroom, Riser has a broad understanding of the healthcare industry, a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for expanding access to healthcare,” organization representatives said in a press release.

Riser is a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in health services administration from the University of St. Francis. She most recently served as the first executive vice president and chief clinical officer at Ovation Health Care.

Association representatives said Riser has been a patient-focused professional across her 30-plus year career, and as she expanded her healthcare leadership roles in FQHCs, nonprofits and the private sector, has honed a variety of skills and experiences critical to PACHC. She has been instrumental in the creation and delivery of new service lines and programs in hospitals, health systems, health plans and healthcare technology. She has expertise in leadership, population health, value-based care, behavioral health, data, reporting and operations.

Richard Rinehart, PACHC board chair, said Riser’s extensive experience in various critical areas and deep knowledge of health care, equips her well to lead PACHC into the future.

“Shelley’s appointment as president and CEO of PACHC is a significant milestone for our organization. Her extensive experience and dedication to improving access to healthcare make her the ideal next leader for PACHC. We look forward to working with Shelley and achieving our goals together.”

Riser will succeed PACHC’s current President and CEO Cheri Rinehart, who will retire after nearly 16 years at the helm of the organization. Rinehart also praised Riser’s leadership abilities.

“I am impressed by Shelley’s visionary thinking and commitment to serving communities in need. Her passion for the health center mission is evident, and I have confidence that she will make a lasting and positive impact.”

The Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) is a statewide membership services organization representing Community Health Centers — the largest primary care network in Pennsylvania and the nation — and other safety net providers that care for 1 million Pennsylvanians at more than 400 delivery sites in rural and urban communities across the commonwealth. Visit www.pachc.org to find a Community Health Center near you.