CommunityPress Release

Rutland, VT – Christopher Chadwick, MS, LADC, AFC, is Community Health’s new Chief Operating Officer. For the past six years, Chadwick served as Director of Behavioral Health and MAT Services for Community Health and has been a valuable member of the Community Health executive leadership team, contributing to the growth and expansion of primary healthcare services accessible through Vermont’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center.
 
“Chris has demonstrated remarkable success in his role at Community Health, where he has been leading our Behavioral Health service line since June 2019,” said Mike Gardner, Community Health’s CEO.“His dedication, expertise, and leadership skills have greatly contributed to the growth and development of our team. We have no doubt that Chris will bring the same level of excellence and commitment to his new role.”
 
Under Chadwick’s leadership, patient visits in the Behavioral Health service line more than doubled from 15,487 visits by 2,450 patients in 2019 to 35,519 visits by 4,300 patients in 2024. With more than 23 years’ experience in the social services field, Chadwick is an active member of the community, serving on the board of Adirondack Spay and Neuter and as an associate professor in psychology and social work at Castleton University.
 
“This new chapter fills me with deep gratitude and an even stronger commitment to the mission we all share, a mission rooted in teamwork, collaboration, and transparency,” Chadwick said. “Throughout my time with this organization, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the power of our collective efforts – how dedicated, compassionate, and resilient this team is in delivering care to our communities. As I step into the COO role, I bring not only my professional experience, but a deep appreciation for the challenges we face and the strength we possess when we work together.”
Christopher Chadwick, MS, LADC, AFC, Community Health Chief Operating Officer
 
Consistent with Chadwick’s strategy to build solutions by supporting, engaging, and empowering a skilled, collaborative, professional workforce, Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor Ashley Rick, MS, LCMHC, LADC, PMH-C, has been promoted to Director of Behavioral Health and MAT Services.
 
“Ashley has done an amazing job since joining Community Health over five years ago,” Chadwick said. “Having worked closely with Ashley, I have full confidence in her executing the duties of the office and am excited to see her assume this new role.” 
 
With over a decade in social services, Rick is committed to staff development, mentorship, and training to build clinical skills and professional growth of the team. Under her guidance and supervision, the behavioral health team has grown to over 60 clinical professionals serving pediatric, geriatric, family and couples counseling and therapy services.
 
Ashley Rick, MS, LCMHC, LADC, PMH-C, (left) is Community Health Director of Behavioral Health & MAT Services. Laura Ethier, LICSW. LADC, (right) is Community Health Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor
In addition, Laura Ethier, LICSW, LADC, has assumed the role of Behavioral Health Clinical Supervisor. “With experience in supervision and a passion for fostering growth, she brings a wealth of clinical expertise and leadership to our team,” Rick said. “With over 25 years’ experience as a social worker, supervisor and case manager, Laura has a proven track record of supporting clinicians, building strong teams, and enhancing the quality of care we provide.”
 
As chief operating officer, Chadwick is looking ahead to exploring new service lines, enhancing the patient experience, supporting employees, and continuing to ensure the financial strength and sustainability of the organization.
 
“I believe the best solutions are those built together – across departments, roles, and perspectives,” Chadwick said. “I want to foster an environment where every team member feels seen, heard, and empowered to contribute to our continued success. These goals will require continued collaboration across all departments and locations, and I have no doubt that, together, we will continue to navigate these ever-changing times.”
 
About Community Health
Community Health is Vermont’s largest FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center), a network of primary care, pediatric, behavioral health, dental, and pharmacy services with offices in Rutland, Brandon, Castleton, Shoreham, and West Pawlet. Community Dental offices are located in Rutland and Shoreham; Community Health Pediatrics is in Rutland; and Behavioral Health services are available at all our locations. Community Health Express Care centers, open 7 days a week, are located at the Rutland and Castleton Community Health Centers.
Learn more about career opportunities, hours, and Community Health locations on our website: chcrr.org. To reach Community Health’s Patient Access Center, call 802-779-9169.
 
 
 
The mission of Community Health is to be the foremost integrated community health center providing quality and collaborative care that is accessible to all people, in order to live their best lives and build stronger communities.

Community Health Names Christopher Chadwick as Chief Operating Officer