LYNN — The Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) recently appointed Lynn native Drew Russo as the new chair of its board of directors.
“Drew embodies the mission and values of Lynn Community Health Center,” CEO of LCHC Brenda Rodriguez said. “His deep roots in the community and proven leadership in both public service, and nonprofit management, make him an outstanding choice to guide our board as we continue to expand critical health services for our patients.”
Currently, Russo serves as the personnel director for the city of Lynn, where he’s been instrumental in creating a more modern human resources department to help support hundreds of city employees, according to the press release.
In a phone call Tuesday, Russo reflected on the department changes. “With our team, we’ve taken our application process online, we’re also making better use of technology, and we’re using social media and other forms of communication to get the word out about job opportunities in Lynn,” he said. He noted the board is ramping up efforts by working with the city’s benefits team on health and wellness initiates for city employees.
Russo also commended Mayor Jared Nicholson and former Mayor Thomas McGee whose combined leadership made employees proud. “We built an H.R. department that is forward looking but also doing its best to make sure people in our community know when there are opportunities to work for the city. We’re all proud to work for Lynn, and we want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to pursue employment with us.”
Russo has over a decade of service, which saw him rise to the posts of executive director of the Lynn Museum/Lynn Arts organization and Assistant Director of Advancement at St. Mary’s High School. He also directed in-district operations for U.S. Congressman John Tierney, and managed former State Senator Thomas McGee’s 2010 re-election campaign, according to the press release.
“It’s an honor to support an organization that means so much to the city of Lynn,” Russo said in the press release. “LCHC is a lifeline for thousands of individuals and families in our community, and I look forward to continuing my work with fellow board members, and the dedicated team at LCHC, to ensure everyone in Lynn has access to the care they deserve.”
As board chair, Russo will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to help LCHC build on its strong foundation and expand its services to members, which includes the organization’s nationally recognized behavioral health programs, the press release stated.
Lynn Community Health Center serves as a vital resource for more than 44,000 patients annually, offering comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services. In 2024, LCHC was awarded a $600,000 Behavioral Health Service Expansion Award to further its mission of providing equitable, high-quality care for all.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be a patient-member of Lynn Community Health Center, which I have been for almost a decade,” Russo said. “I’ve been working with my board colleagues to ensure access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of ability to pay.”
