Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers Appoints José Benitez as New CEO
José Benitez, Chief Operating Officer, Philadelphia Fight ● Photo Credit: Philadelphia Fight
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 4, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) — Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers, a nonprofit healthcare organization specializing in primary care and support services for individuals with HIV/AIDS and other at-risk populations, has announced the appointment of José Benitez, MSW, FCPP, as its new Chief Executive Officer. Benitez, who has served as Director of Operations at FIGHT, will officially assume his role on November 4, 2024. He will succeed retiring CEO Jane Shull, who led the organization’s growth from a community-based HIV research organization to a Federally Qualified Health Center.
Benitez previously served as CEO of Prevention Point Philadelphia, a public health organization that provides harm reduction services, including medical care, syringe exchange, overdose prevention education, and medically assisted drug treatment. Under his leadership, Prevention Point Philadelphia became the largest syringe service program in North America. Benitez brings over 35 years of experience working with underserved communities in Philadelphia, particularly within the HIV and harm reduction fields.
Bishop Ernest McNear, FIGHT’s Board President and Chair of the CEO Search Committee, led the national search for FIGHT’s new leader. “Philadelphia FIGHT is looking forward to the future. On behalf of FIGHT’s Board of Directors, we are strongly committed to José’s leadership for this critical role and are thankful for his willingness and ability to lead FIGHT in this next chapter of growth. We are confident that through his vision, compassion, and love of our community, José will continue FIGHT’s legacy in providing the highest quality health care and support services to all who come through our doors,” said McNear.
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Shull, the outgoing CEO, also commented on Benitez’s appointment. “I am beyond excited that José will be following me in the role of Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia FIGHT. In addition to his extensive accomplishments, José truly understands who we are as Philadelphia FIGHT. He shares FIGHT’s fundamental commitment to serving everyone in need and doing so in a way that respects the dignity of each individual. I am certain that FIGHT will continue to grow and to find new and innovative ways to serve the community under José’s leadership,” said Shull.
Benitez holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Temple University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from SUNY College of Brockport. Reflecting on his new role, Benitez stated, “I am so happy and proud to be named the new CEO of Philadelphia FIGHT. FIGHT has a long-standing tradition of providing quality care to the community. I am honored to continue the mission and grow and develop new programs.”
Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers provides a range of healthcare services, education, research, and advocacy, with a focus on individuals affected by HIV/AIDS and high-risk populations. For more information, visit www.fight.org.
