Maumee, OH — The Pathways Community HUB Institute® (PCHI), a leader in advancing health equity through the innovative PCHI® Model, announces the retirement of its President and CEO, Jan Ruma, effective October 20, 2024. A seasoned and respected leader in healthcare innovation and institutional growth for more than 38 years, Mrs. Ruma joined PCHI in 2021 bringing with her extensive expertise and passion for community health. Prior to joining PCHI, she served as vice president of the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio, where she in part, directed the first nationally certified Pathways Community HUB in Ohio (the Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB).
Under her leadership, PCHI has grown significantly, developing strategic partnerships, expanding its network to nearly 50 communities in 20 states, and reaching over 40,000 people with whole-person, community-based care coordination to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and promote health equity. While stepping away from her day-to-day role, Mrs. Ruma will continue contributing to PCHI in a senior advisor role, supporting special projects, technical assistance, and ongoing work with PCHI founder Sarah Redding, MPH, MD.
“My journey with PCHI has been deeply rewarding. While I am stepping away from my day-to-day responsibilities to spend more time with my family and travel, I look forward to continuing to support Dr. Redding and the entire PCHI team in our mission to advance health equity in communities across the country,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunity and I’m excited for the future of PCHI.”
"Jan has been an extraordinary leader whose vision and dedication have positioned PCHI for continued success," Dr. Redding said. "Her strategic direction and innovative thinking have greatly expanded our reach and impact. I am thankful to her and that she will remain with us in an advisory role.”
Vondie Woodbury, Chair, PCHI Board of Directors, emphasized the continuity of leadership and PCHI’s mission moving forward.
“Jan's leadership has been a driving force behind PCHI's growth and success over the past few years. Her commitment to our mission and her ability to build meaningful partnerships have created a lasting impact on the communities we serve. We thank Jan for her service and look forward to her continued involvement in this next chapter," she said. "We know that under Dr. Redding's leadership, PCHI will continue to advance its mission, empowering more communities and improving health equity across the nation.”
Dr. Redding, co-developer of the PCHI Model with her late husband, Dr. Mark Redding, and founder of PCHI, will reassume the leadership position as Founder & CEO to continue driving the organization’s mission forward. Dr. Redding is an accomplished physician. For the past three decades, she has been involved with developing new strategies to provide sustainable community-based care coordination, train community health workers, and build outcome-based funding strategies, culminating with the founding of the Pathways Community HUB Institute. Her focus has always been on improving health equity. Dr. Redding received her medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine and a Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. She completed her residency in General Preventive Medicine at Johns Hopkins University.
Dr. Redding, along with the PCHI team, will continue to focus on assisting communities in implementing the PCHI Model; expanding Pathways Community HUBs and Pathway Agencies across more states and communities; and enhancing the vital role of communities and community health workers who connect under-resourced residents with critical health and social services.
For a decade, PCHI has remained dedicated to advancing health equity by bridging the gap between health and social care. Through its innovative model, PCHI empowers communities to create coordinated care networks that address both health and social care needs, ensuring healthier futures and stronger communities.
About PCHI
The Pathways Community HUB Institute® (PCHI) advances health equity by helping communities create sustainable, community-based care coordination networks that support under-resourced residents. Through its transformative PCHI® Model, PCHI focuses on the whole person, ensuring they receive both health and social care support to achieve better outcomes. At the heart of the PCHI Model are community health workers (CHWs), whose deep connections within their communities enable them to make a real difference in the lives they support. PCHI has witnessed firsthand the powerful impact when healthcare providers, social service agencies, and other stakeholders collaborate and align their efforts. What began in Mansfield, Ohio, has now expanded to nearly half of all U.S. states and 50 communities. To learn more, visit www.pchi-hub.org.