HOPE VALLEY, RI (August 18, 2026) - Wood River Health is pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors: Nancy Harrison, RN, BSN, MPH; Robyn Hoffmann, RN, MSN, CHC; Steven M. Parente; and Eric Wilson, CFA. Each brings substantial expertise and leadership experience in healthcare, compliance, finance, strategic planning and community service, further strengthening the organization's commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care throughout the region.
Wood River Health's Board of Directors is comprised of local professionals selected for both their subject-matter expertise and their commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals who live and work in the communities the health center serves. Board members provide strategic oversight and guidance, helping to establish sound policies, safeguard organizational assets, monitor performance and plan for the future of the health center.
"As we look toward the future of community healthcare, strong governance and community representation are more important than ever," said Alison Croke, President and CEO of Wood River Health. "Nancy, Robyn, Steven and Eric each bring valuable perspectives, professional expertise, and a deep commitment to service. Their leadership will help guide our organization as we continue to expand access to care, address evolving community needs, and fulfill our mission of improving the health and well-being of the patients and communities we serve."
As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Wood River Health operates under a unique governance model established by federal law. Unlike most healthcare organizations, at least 51 percent of the Board of Directors must be active patients of the health center. This patient-majority structure ensures that individuals receiving care have a direct voice in organizational leadership and decision-making, helping keep services responsive, accessible and aligned with community needs. Board members serve on committees that oversee critical areas of the organization including finance, governance, quality improvement, strategic planning, credentialing and privileging, fundraising and facilities planning.
Nancy Harrison, RN, BSN, MPH is a Rhode Island native and longtime Hope Valley resident with more than 30 years of healthcare experience. Throughout her career, she has served in clinical and leadership roles spanning acute care, long-term care, home care, disease management and case management. She has led healthcare initiatives for organizations including UnitedHealthcare, Cigna Healthcare, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island, and Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corporation. Most recently, she was part of the leadership team that successfully earned National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Case Management Accreditation.
"After retiring from a longstanding career in healthcare, I wanted to find a meaningful way to continue contributing to the health and well-being of my community," said Harrison. "I chose to serve on the board of Wood River Health because I was impressed by the organization's leadership and its commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and providing exceptional patient care. It is a privilege to support an organization that is making such a positive impact on the lives of the people it serves."
Robyn Hoffmann, RN, MSN, CHC serves as a Senior Manager in BerryDunn's Healthcare Practice Group, where she provides expertise in healthcare compliance, HIPAA privacy, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, policy development, and risk management. She has extensive leadership experience in federally qualified health centers, hospital-based ambulatory care settings, and Medicaid managed care organizations, and is recognized nationally for her work in healthcare compliance.
"I am a patient of Wood River Health," said Hoffmann. "One of the unique aspects of federally qualified health centers is that 51 percent of the Board's members must be active patients. I am truly honored to serve as a Board member and am committed to Wood River Health's mission, vision, and values."
Steven M. Parente has worked in the financial services industry since 1994 and currently serves as Executive Vice President of Beacon Bank. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions across numerous nonprofit, educational, and community organizations. A Richmond resident for more than three decades, he has long been engaged in efforts that strengthen and support local communities.
"As a resident of Richmond for the last 32 years along with being a patient of Wood River Health for more than 20 years, Wood River Health is a strong community partner providing excellent care and support to a population that has been somewhat underserved for many years," said Parente. "Their dedication to the community, strength of medical care, and understanding of what they provide to the local population is what attracted me to become more involved."
Eric Wilson, CFA joined Professional Planning Group in 2024 as a Financial Advisor and works with individuals and families to develop wealth management and retirement planning strategies. Prior to his work in financial services, he built a career in scientific research and later served in wealth management roles supporting both individual and institutional investors. He brings expertise in financial stewardship, investment oversight, and strategic planning to his role as a board member.
"Joining the Wood River Health board allows me to give back to the community by supporting an organization that makes a meaningful difference in people's lives by providing compassionate and accessible healthcare," said Wilson.
Wood River Health's Board of Directors meets monthly and works through a committee structure that supports effective governance and strategic oversight. Together, board members help ensure that the organization remains financially strong, responsive to patient needs and positioned to meet the healthcare challenges and opportunities of the future.
