The David B. Vliet Changemaker Award honors health professionals who work in community health centers and support affordable and equitable health access for all.
WASHINGTON—Today, Advocates for Community Health (ACH), a membership organization serving forward-thinking federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), announced that Tampa Family Health Centers (TFHC) President and Chief Executive Officer Sherry Hoback, MBA, BSN, RN has won its inaugural David B. Vliet Changemaker Award for her outstanding contributions to the Community Health Center (CHC) Program and advocacy on behalf of health center patients.
“When ACH decided to establish this award during National Health Center Week, we envisioned the winner contributing significantly towards improvements and innovations in health equity, advocacy, patient access to care or other supports in service delivery in a community health center – and Sherry Hoback is a testament to what it means to advocate for the underserved,” said ACH CEO Amanda Pears Kelly. “Her patient-centered approach is inspiring, and her dynamic leadership has driven vital changes in health policy and advocacy efforts for CHCs,” she said. “We are thrilled to honor Sherry and her work.” “Sherry’s contributions to the evolution and improvement of TFHC’s operations, care delivery, partnerships, and contracting are both profound and multifaceted,” wrote Shirley Anne Smith, VP Grants Administration/Executive Director, TFHC Foundation, in the nomination. “Her focus on innovation drives transformative changes across the organization while leading one of the largest FQHCs in Florida,” said Smith.
“Sherry is a servant leader who understands that the primary responsibility of leadership is to serve people and meet them where they are. In the face of a fluctuating political climate that impacts health and social services, she ensures that innovation and patient prioritization are at the forefront of all decision-making.”
TFHC serves over 114,000 patients and anticipates nearly 20% growth for fiscal year 2025. Hoback joined TFHC sixteen years ago, and her passion for local and state policy advocacy has positioned her as a key player in driving positive change and advancing health equity.
An example of Hoback’s advocacy work is the implementation of the Education Institute of Tampa Family, which was launched to address the critical healthcare workforce needs and the economic empowerment needs of the Tampa Bay community. Hoback acknowledges, said Smith, that you cannot care for patients without filling jobs. By implementing an area health education center, TFHC can continue caring for patients while providing dozens of jobs in the local economy.
“Sherry’s commitment to innovation also manifests in her approach to operations and care delivery, where her critical examination of patient data leads to refined services and improved care,” added Smith. “Her proactive stance on anticipating patient needs and enhancing the patient experience fosters a patient-centered approach that drives satisfaction and outcomes.
###
About the David B. Vliet Changemaker Award
Established in 2024 by Advocates for Community Health (ACH), the David B. Vliet Changemaker Award honors health professionals working in community health centers and supporting affordable and equitable health access for all. Named after David B. Vliet, MBA, retired chief executive officer of Lifelong Medical Care in Berkley, California, and founding member of ACH, this award honors growing community advocates who are changemakers and have advanced health equity and high-impact health initiatives while providing exceptional patient care.
About Advocates for Community Health
Advocates for Community Health (ACH) is a membership organization for federally qualified health centers that strives to advance the delivery of health care to underserved populations and to achieve health equity for patients and communities in need. We are committed to working collaboratively to advance well-defined and forward-thinking policies at the national level. By leveraging the wisdom, agility, and innovation of our members, ACH brings bold leadership to drive the future of the Health Center Program and to transform the American healthcare system. To learn more, please visit advocatesforcommunityhealth.org.
About Tampa Family Health Centers
Tampa Family Health Centers (TFHC) is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive healthcare services to the Tampa Bay community, ensuring everyone has access to the care they need. Our services include primary care, dental care, behavioral health, women’s health, pediatrics, and specialty care, delivered by a team of dedicated professionals. Guided by our mantra, “Healthcare as it should be,” we strive to eliminate barriers to healthcare access and promote health equity for all. For more information, visit www.tfhc.org.