CommUnityCare Health Centers is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Stefanowicz as its new Chief Health Officer (CHO), a role designed to further integrate clinical care, quality, safety, and population health across the organization. 

The appointment follows a national search and reflects the continued evolution of CommUnityCare Health Centers as it grows in scale and complexity, with an increased focus on delivering coordinated, high-quality care to the communities it serves. 

“Throughout the search, we prioritized a leader who could operate at the intersection of clinical excellence and system execution—someone capable of translating strategy into day-to-day practice across a large, multidisciplinary organization and within our broader working relationship with Central Health,” said Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nicholas Yagoda. “Dr. Stefanowicz has already demonstrated this ability, and we couldn’t be more confident in his leadership.” 

Dr. Stefanowicz most recently served as Associate Chief Medical Officer, where he led complex, system-level initiatives and demonstrated a strong ability to align clinical strategy with operational execution. His leadership has been especially impactful in high-priority areas, including care for patients living with HIV, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those in recovery. 

A fellowship-trained HIV specialist and board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Stefanowicz has dedicated his career to advancing care for underserved populations. His experience in nontraditional care settings underscores his commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and building trust with patients and communities. 

As Chief Health Officer, Dr. Stefanowicz will focus on strengthening clinical quality, supporting care teams, and advancing an integrated model of care that improves access, outcomes, and patient experience across the system. 

“I am humbled and profoundly appreciative of the trust that our leaders and colleagues have vested in me. As it has been for many of our patients and our team members alike, I have called CommUnityCare home for some time now, and I am honored to partner in our growth and successes together in this next chapter” said Dr. Stefanowicz. “I am grateful to the many friends, mentors, colleagues and patients who have shaped me into the physician leader I am today and for teaching me what it truly means to place the patient at the center of our work. Finally, my deepest gratitude goes out to the countless frontline healthcare workers who lead with love each and every day.” 

The organization also recognizes Dr. Susan Dubois for her leadership as Interim Chief Medical Officer during a pivotal period. Her steady guidance and continued contributions over the last 18 months have helped support clinical teams and ensure continuity of care. 

Dr. Stefanowicz’s appointment marks an important step forward as CommUnityCare Health Centers continues to enhance coordination across clinical services and expand its impact in Central Texas communities.