Stephanie Willding

Chief Executive Officer at CommunityHealth

Stephanie D. Willding, MPA (commonly known as Steph) is an accomplished healthcare leader who currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of CommunityHealth, the nation's largest volunteer-based free health center.1 3 She assumed this role in November 2019.1 3

Professional Background

Steph has extensive experience in the healthcare industry, particularly in non-profit management and community health:

Prior to joining CommunityHealth, she held leadership positions at Erie Family Health Centers and Chicago Family Health Center.1 2
At Chicago Family Health Center, she served as Chief Officer for Strategy, Planning and Development from September 2015 to November 2019.2 3
She was the Executive Director of East Village Youth Program from June 2013 to September 2015.3
Steph worked at Erie Family Health Center in various roles from 2008 to 2013, including Individual Giving Manager and Development Associate.3

Education and Achievements

Steph holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a B.A. in International Studies from DePaul University.1 3
She was named to Crain's Chicago Top 40 Under 40 in 2022.1 4
Steph is a Class of 2023 Carol Emmott Fellow.1 4
In 2024, she was selected to be part of the Leadership Greater Chicago Class of 2025.4

Leadership and Expertise

Steph is known for her skills in:

Developing and implementing transformative initiatives across organizations.1
Increasing and diversifying revenue.1 3
Using data to improve and adapt program performance.1 3
Advancing organizational goals through strategic and annual planning.1 3

Personal Interests

Outside of her professional life, Steph is passionate about:

Volunteering for animal rescue and youth running organizations.1
Marathon training.1
Urban container gardening with her husband at their home in Chicago.1 4
Caring for her two rescue dogs, Jezzy and Cooper.1
Formula 1 racing.4

Steph Willding is committed to health justice and has dedicated her career to building and leading organizations that invest in communities and empower them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.1