May 30, 2025
Accomplished physician-leader transitions from interim role after nine months
Austin, TX — The CommUnityCare Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Nicholas Yagoda as permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO), elevating him from the interim position he has held since September 2024.
During his tenure as interim CEO, Dr. Yagoda guided CommUnityCare Health Centers through a pivotal period of growth and alignment. His accomplishments include implementing a comprehensive strategic plan, deepening collaboration with Central Health and Sendero Health Plans, and reinforcing organizational priorities around access, health equity, and workforce development.
“Over the last nine months, Dr. Yagoda has shown steady, values-driven leadership,” said Guy Swenson, Chair of the CommUnityCare Board. “This decision reflects our confidence in his ability to lead not only CommUnityCare Health Centers, but to play a critical role in unifying the system as a whole.”
Concurrently, in recognition of Dr. Yagoda’s leadership and vision, Central Health President & CEO Dr. Pat Lee has appointed Dr. Yagoda as Executive Vice President of Ambulatory Services — a newly created role designed to enhance integration across the Central Health system. In this dual capacity, Dr. Yagoda will lead efforts to streamline outpatient operations and build a more cohesive, patient-centered healthcare network for Travis County residents with low income and without insurance.
Health System Integration and Innovation
Together, CommUnityCare and Central Health are moving toward a more unified, patient-centered model — one grounded in shared values, aligned leadership, and a commitment to expanding access to those who need it most. The two organizations form one of the nation’s largest community health center systems in the country, providing more than a half million patient visits in 2024 – the vast majority to Travis County residents with incomes less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
“Nick has earned the trust and respect of our teams, our partners, and the communities we serve,” said Dr. Lee. “His appointment to this dual role reflects our shared commitment to building a health care system that works better for everyone. I’m excited to continue working alongside him as we transform care delivery from the ground up.”
A Vision for Community-Centered Care
Dr. Yagoda brings extensive clinical and leadership experience to his expanded role. A board-certified family physician, he previously served as Chief Medical Officer at CommUnityCare Health Centers for three years, where he championed clinical excellence and provider development.
“It’s an honor to step into this role and advance the mission of health equity alongside the exceptional teams at CommUnityCare and Central Health,” said Dr. Yagoda. “This new alignment is a rare opportunity to build a more connected, community-centered system of care. With shared purpose, strong partnerships, and unwavering focus on the people we serve, we are poised to set a national standard for what community-driven care can achieve.”
For questions, contact Priscilla Estrada at Priscilla.Estrada@communitycaretx.org.
| About CommUnityCare
Central Texas Community Health Centers, dba CommUnityCare is a 501.c.3 tax-exempt charitable corporation operating a network of 30+ federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Central Texas. Our mission is to strengthen the health and well-being of the communities we serve. The services at CommUnityCare Health Centers are available regardless of insurance status or household income. For more information, please visit https://communitycaretx.org.
|
||
|
About Central Health Created by voters in 2004, Central Health is Travis County’s hospital district. Central Health provides care and coverage for about 1 in 8 Travis County residents — more than 170,000 people with low income. Guided by a strategic plan, developed with extensive community input and adopted in 2022, Central Health is investing more than $800 million to create a high-functioning, comprehensive, and equitable safety-net system in Travis County. This vision reflects the commitment of the Central Health system, which includes CommUnityCare Health Centers and Sendero Health Plans, a nonprofit insurance company, along with hundreds of community partners, to the residents of Travis County. |