GLFHC Names Hull Native to Lead Group of Health Centers

John M. Silva, a Hull native, replaces Robert Ingala, who is retiring. (Courtesy photograph.)

John M. Silva will become president and chief executive officer of Greater Lawrence Family Health Center (GLFHC) in February, replacing Robert Ingala, who is retiring.

Silva, a native of Hull, has 40 years of experience in healthcare and community health centers. He currently serves as president and chief executive officer of Morton Comprehensive Health Services, Tulsa, Okla. “Under Silva’s leadership, the health center has grown substantially: by doubling the number of locations, increasing provider productivity by nearly 40 percent, and growing patient billable visits by 33 percent,” according to a press release issued this morning. Silva has also served in various roles with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC), including serving as president in 1993.

“John’s familiarity with the unique challenges and value of community health centers will truly be an asset to Greater Lawrence Family Health Center,” said Charles Zanazzi, GLFHC board chairman. “His extensive experience at the helm of community health centers will guide GLFHC through its next stages of accomplishments and challenges.”

Among those challenges is building a new Haverhill branch of the health center, both city and GLFHC officials have acknowledged. GLFHC began in Lawrence, but has since expanded to Methuen.

As a healthcare consultant, Silva also provided support and training to NACHC regarding community health center management, strategic planning, MIS and EHR transition projects and operational improvements. Working actively with the federal government healthcare agencies, he has also served as a Federal Receiver for troubled healthcare organizations, implementing major organizational turn-around capacities, the release said.