Some context
CommUnityCare Health Centers, also known as CommUnityCare, is a nonprofit organization that runs more than 30 health clinics across Central Texas. Its goal is to improve the health and well-being of the local community.
CommUnityCare provides medical services to anyone, no matter their income or whether they have insurance. The agency is also one of the predominant care providers for Central Health, Travis County’s tax-funded hospital district.
A closer look
While serving as interim CEO, Yagoda helped create a long-term plan for the organization, strengthened partnerships with Central Health and Sendero Health Plans, and focused on improving access to care, supporting staff and promoting health equity, according to a news release.
"Over the last nine months, Dr. Yagoda has shown steady, values-driven leadership," CommUnityCare board Chair Guy Swenson said in a statement. "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."
Tensions between Central Health and CommUnityCare surfaced after Central Health leadership placed Jason Fournier, the former CEO of CommUnityCare, on administrative leave without providing details or formal allegations. Fournier was officially dismissed in November.
Board members felt that Central Health had overstepped its authority regarding their organization.
However, upon Yagoda’s recent appointment, Central Health’s president and CEO, Dr. Pat Lee, has dually appointed him as executive vice president of ambulatory services. This new role is meant to help connect different parts of the Central Health system.
In both his role with CommUnity Care and Central Health, Yagoda will work to make outpatient care run more smoothly and create a more coordinated, patient-focused healthcare network for people in Travis County, the release states.
"Nick has earned the trust and respect of our teams, our partners and the communities we serve," Lee said in a statement. "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."
