ABOUT

"I believe strong community health centers are built by leaders who understand the weight of the mission and the responsibility of preparing organizations for uncertainty, scrutiny, and change."

— David Hughes, Founder, FQHC Forward

A middle-aged man in a black suit and striped dress shirt smiling in an indoor setting with blurred background windows.

About David Hughes

Fractional Executive | Lead Consultant | Interim CEO, COO, CFO – FQHC Forward

David Hughes brings executive judgment to the decisions that determine whether a community health center can withstand pressure, meet rising demand, and sustain high-quality care while improving financial performance. He helps leadership teams cut through complexity, set direction, and establish the structures required to carry decisions through to sustained results. Where needed, David steps into interim or fractional executive roles to lead from inside the organization and carry accountability through critical periods of change.

David's leadership experience includes:

  • CEO, CFO, and COO roles within Federally Qualified Health Centers

  • Direct responsibility for financial performance, HRSA compliance, operations, and governance

  • Leading organizations through growth, turnaround, and regulatory scrutiny

  • Partnering with boards and executive teams on strategy, structure, and accountability

From community-based clinics to multi-site FQHC systems, in both rural and urban environments, David has stepped into executive leadership roles to direct execution, align teams, and deliver results across scale, geography, and organizational complexity. He has rebuilt financial footing by restoring cash reserves, elevated regulatory confidence through HRSA site visit readiness and preparation, and established operating rigor and discipline that expand patient access while protecting margin and organizational control.

A career spanning five decades of leadership across every level of community health, including frontline, executive, and system leadership, David is an experienced speaker and workshop leader who has presented to FQHC boards, executive teams, and regional and national associations.

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