From Community Health Centers
In Summary:
Community Health Centers has appointed Apopka resident Richard Cieslak and Winter Garden resident Jared Nordlund to its Board of Directors, adding expertise in finance, public affairs, and community leadership. The organization also marked the completion of a 7,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of the Apopka Family Health Center, increasing its footprint to 19,500 square feet. The upgraded facility adds new healthcare services and expands patient care capacity, positioning the center to serve more residents in the growing Apopka community.
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Community Health Centers (CHC), a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) located in Central Florida, is proud to announce the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors while also celebrating the completion of the newly expanded and renovated Apopka Family Health Center, two milestones that reflect the organization’s continued commitment to advancing accessible, high-quality healthcare across Central Florida.
Community Health Centers Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors
Community Health Centers is pleased to welcome Jared Nordlund of Winter Garden and Richard Cieslak of Apopka to its Board of Directors.
“These two accomplished leaders bring extensive experience in public affairs, financial leadership, advocacy, and community engagement,” said Dr. Melissa Singh, Chairperson of the Community Health Centers Board of Directors. “Their perspectives and expertise will help strengthen our mission as we continue expanding access to quality healthcare services for the communities we serve.”
Related: Florida Legislature discusses, but shoots down, Medicaid expansion.
Nordlund is a strategic public affairs and civic engagement leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing policy advocacy, coalition building, and voter engagement initiatives across Florida and nationally. He currently serves as Florida State Director for UnidosUS and has helped secure millions in funding for community-focused programs while leading large-scale civic engagement efforts impacting hundreds of thousands of Floridians.
Cieslak is a seasoned financial executive and Principal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) in Orlando, boasting an extensive background of C-suite experience in finance and operational leadership. Beyond his corporate career, he is deeply committed to community service, serving as the Chairman of the Florida Alliance for Boys and Girls clubs, and board member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.
“We are honored to welcome Jared and Richard to our Board of Directors,” said Dr. Debra Andree, President & Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Centers. “Their leadership experience and dedication to community service align perfectly with CHC’s mission to provide quality and compassionate healthcare for all. As our organization continues to grow, their insight and guidance will be invaluable.”
Current Community Health Centers Board Members include: Dr. Melissa Singh, Chairperson; Ms. Nilmarie Zapata, 1st Vice Chair; Ms. Kathy Rovito, 2nd Vice Chair; Ms. Felicia Davis, Treasurer; Ms. Dale Price, Secretary; Darryl Owens, Director; the Honorable Gisela Laurent, Director; Jerry Kassab, Director; and Dr. Debra Andree, Ex-Officio Member.
Community Health Centers Celebrates Expansion and Renovation of Apopka Family Health Center
Community Health Centers is also celebrating the completion of the Apopka Family Health Center Expansion & Renovation Project, a significant investment designed to enhance patient care, improve operational efficiency, and expand healthcare services for the growing Apopka community.
To commemorate the milestone, CHC recently hosted a Ribbon Cutting VIP Open House attended by more than 80 grant supporters, healthcare partners, elected officials, and community leaders who toured the newly renovated facility and celebrated the achievement.
The transformation included adding 7,000 square feet, increasing the center’s total footprint to 19,500 square feet, along with comprehensive interior and exterior renovations aligned with the CHC brand. The center is located at 225 E Seventh St in Apopka.
Community Health Centers also recognizes AdventHealth for its generous financial support of both the capital expansion project and additional healthcare programming initiatives connected to the Apopka Family Health Center. This partnership reflects a shared dedication to expanding access to comprehensive, community-based healthcare services.
Enhancements to the facility include:
- Expanded Family Medicine and OB/GYN exam rooms
- New optometry space to introduce vision services
- Dedicated Behavioral Health service areas
- Enlarged pharmacy and laboratory spaces to improve patient flow
- Expanded parking for patients and team members
“This expansion represents far more than additional space,” said Dr. Andree. “It reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our community while creating an improved experience for both our patients and team members.”
One of the project’s most notable accomplishments was that the Apopka Family Health Center remained fully operational throughout the entire renovation and expansion process, minimizing disruption to patient care through careful planning and teamwork.
“This achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and resilience of our team,” Dr. Andree added. “Their unwavering focus ensured that patients continued receiving quality care every step of the way.”
The expanded and renovated Apopka Family Health Center positions Community Health Centers to serve more patients, provide additional services, and continue delivering accessible, comprehensive healthcare to families across Central Florida.
Key Points:
• Apopka resident Richard Cieslak was appointed to the Community Health Centers Board of Directors alongside Winter Garden resident Jared Nordlund.
• Cieslak is a financial executive and principal at CLA who also serves in leadership roles with Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in Florida.
• Community Health Centers completed a 7,000-square-foot expansion of the Apopka Family Health Center, bringing the facility to 19,500 square feet.
• The renovation added expanded family medicine and OB/GYN exam rooms, a dedicated behavioral health space, new optometry facilities, and larger pharmacy and laboratory areas.
• The health center remained fully operational throughout construction, allowing uninterrupted patient care while improvements were completed.
Community Health Centers, a Federally Qualified Health Center, provides high-quality, compassionate primary healthcare services to insured, uninsured, underinsured, and underserved children and adults in Central Florida. CHC serves patients in Apopka, Bithlo, Clermont, Forest City, Four Corners, Groveland, Lake Ellenor, Leesburg, Orlando, Meadow Woods, Pine Hills, Tavares, West Lakes, and Winter Garden. Learn more at: www.chcfl.org
