Washington, D.C. (October 22, 2025) — Advocates for Community Health (ACH), the national nonprofit organization driving federal policy and advocacy on behalf of community health centers, has appointed Parinda Khatri, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of River Valley Health, to its Board of Directors Executive Committee.
Dr. Khatri will help guide ACH’s policy strategy and governance as the organization continues to champion federal investments and reforms that strengthen the community health center network—vital providers of affordable, accessible care to nearly 34 million Americans.
“ACH is leading the charge in advancing policies that empower community health centers to innovate, expand access, and deliver high-quality care,” said Dr. Khatri. “I’m honored to join the Executive Committee and contribute to shaping a national agenda that supports healthier communities, more accessible whole person care.”
At River Valley Health, Dr. Khatri oversees comprehensive primary care, dental, behavioral health, optometry, and community-based services across Eastern Tennessee, serving over 66,000 patients each year across 25 counties. Her work has focused on integrating behavioral and physical health care, building strong community partnerships, and addressing social drivers of health—key priorities that align with ACH’s national advocacy efforts.
“Parinda’s deep experience leading an innovative health center and her unwavering commitment to advancing the Health Center Program make her an invaluable addition to our Executive Committee,” said ACH CEO Amanda Pears Kelly. “Her perspective will help shape our policy strategy and ensure that the voice of health centers remains front and center in national conversations, policy and advocacy to support and advance the future of American healthcare.”
As a member of the Executive Committee, Khatri will also support ACH’s Board leadership in shaping strategic direction, guiding governance practices, and monitoring organizational performance. The Executive Committee currently comprises leadership from diverse, high-impact community health centers including:
- Kerry Hydash (ACH Board President)
President & CEO, Family HealthCare Network
- Steven C. Hansen
President & CEO, Presbyterian Medical Services
- Nieves Gomez
President & CEO, Columbia Basin Health Association
—and others committed to ACH’s mission of strengthening the community health center movement.
About Advocates for Community Health
Established in 2021, Advocates for Community Health (ACH) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit membership organization of community health centers dedicated to forward-thinking and ambitious federal policy and advocacy on behalf of health centers, their patients, and their communities. To learn more, visit advocatesforcommunityhealth.org.
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