The Esperanza Health Centers board of directors announced that Nicole Kazee will become the organization’s new President and CEO on July 1, 2026. The announcement follows an eight-month national search undertaken by Esperanza under the leadership of Board Chair Destiny Ortega and in partnership with executive search firm DSG | Koya. The six-member search committee initiated its work last summer following the departure of Esperanza’s longtime CEO, Dan Fulwiler. Upon joining Esperanza, Kazee will bring nearly 20 years of professional and academic experience in the health care safety net, having served most recently as chief strategy and transformation officer for Erie Family Health Centers, a federally qualified health center serving more than 95,000 patients. As President and CEO of Esperanza, Nicole will lead an organization that delivers care to more than 57,000 patients annually at seven clinic sites, a dedicated behavioral health center, two benefits navigation centers, and a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).

Photo Credit: Esperanza Health Centers