A New Season of Leadership
Introducing HCHC’s New Executive Director
We’re excited to welcome Natalie Bass as the new Executive Director of Healthy Community Health Centers (HCHC)! Natalie’s no stranger to this community—she grew up right here in Rockingham County and has spent over 20 years in healthcare, making a difference in the lives of patients across our region. After stepping in as Interim Executive Director in June, she officially took on the role full-time on August 12, 2024.
Natalie’s journey in healthcare started as a nurse at Rockingham Memorial Hospital (RMH), where she built her career and gained leadership experience. Over the years, she’s led teams, improved healthcare systems, and worked closely with local partners, including during the pandemic when she helped coordinate COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. Now, as HCHC’s Executive Director, she’s eager to continue her work right here in her hometown, leading efforts to ensure everyone has access to the care they need.
“I’m excited and honored to have the opportunity to continue my work with HCHC in the Executive Director role,” Natalie says. “I love the mission of HCHC and the impact it has on our community every day—the community where I was born, raised, and remain. Our teams value the relationships we build with patients as we partner with them to improve their health. We work with patients and families to remove as many barriers to them living their most healthy lives as possible. Healthy individuals contribute to a healthy, strong community, and I’m grateful to be a part of those efforts. I’m looking forward to continuing strong collaborations with our many community partners and creating new connections as we continue to increase awareness of HCHC and all that we do.”
HCHC Board Chair Lisa Burkholder shares the same enthusiasm for Natalie’s leadership. “Natalie has been highly effective in her role as COO, so I am excited about her transition to Executive Director. She has extensive healthcare leadership experience, a keen eye for how to help systems run more efficiently, and the ability to build strong connections in the community. We, as a Board of Directors, are excited to walk with her as she continues to lead HCHC in its mission of providing patient-centered care that is accessible and affordable for all.”
As we look to the future with Natalie, we also want to extend our deepest thanks to our outgoing Executive Director, Lisa Bricker. Her leadership guided HCHC through challenges and growth, and her passion for our mission was truly inspiring.
