LCHC Appoints Three New Board Members

Lynn Community Health Center Announces Appointment of Three New Board Members

For Immediate Release: June 25, 2025

LYNN — Lynn Community Health Center (LCHC) is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors this month: Dr. William Heineman, Bishop Javier Valdez, and Attorney Brendan Ward. Their appointments reflect the organization’s commitment to strategic growth, innovation, and inclusive leadership.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bill, Javier, and Brendan to our board,” said CEO Brenda Rodriguez. “Each brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and expand our impact.”

Dr. William A. Heineman is the fifth President of North Shore Community College. Since his arrival in July 2021, NSCC has completed a new strategic plan with a vision focused on consistently equitable and excellent life outcomes for students. Under his leadership, a four-year Early College High School unique in the Commonwealth has been launched in partnership with the Lynn Public Schools on the Lynn Campus.  NSCC is also focusing on meeting urgent needs of the regional economy expanding the Bertolon Health Care Center of Simulation Excellence and developing a Life Sciences Pathways Center on the Danvers Campus. Dr. Heineman has played a leadership role and participated in an array of educational and community organizations.  He serves as a board member of both the YMCA of Metro North and the North Shore Chamber of Commerce.

Bishop Javier Valdez is a servant leader with nearly two decades of experiences in strategic planning, forecasting management, community engagement, and leadership development. He began his professional journey in the private sector with leading publishers including Scholastic, Cengage Learning, and National Geographic, before transitioning to the nonprofit space in 2022 to focus on multicultural organizing and youth empowerment. Ordained a priest in 2017 and consecrated as a Bishop in 2024, he currently serves as Rector of The Gathering Place North Shore—a diverse, mission-driven church rooted in the historic Christian Faith. Under his administration, the congregation is committed to developing leaders who champion biblical justice in the city of Lynn and neighboring communities. In addition to his pastoral role, he serves as Community Manager for The Calm Team -Lynn’s first unarmed response team rooted in harm reduction and trauma–informed crisis intervention for non-violent behavioral health concerns–and sits on the boards of the Lynn Cultural Council, Northshore Juneteenth Association, and the governing board of Bishops within the Union of Charismatic Orthodox Churches.

Attorney Brendan L. Ward is partner at Touchstone Law Offices, where he serves as Chief Operating Officer. Brendan focuses his practice on estate planning for modern families—including those with young children, same-sex couples, and next-generation leaders—as well as trust and estate administration. He also represents buyers and sellers in residential real estate transactions. His work is informed by a deep understanding of probate practice and asset protection strategies. In addition to his legal work, Brendan is deeply involved in community service across the North Shore. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for both LifeScene (formerly Family & Children’s Services of Greater Lynn) and the Lynn Boys & Girls Club, and sits on several steering committees at the Essex County Community Foundation. His past leadership roles include President of the Copley Society of Art Circle, Chair of the Town of Nahant Advisory & Finance Committee, and board positions with Greater Lynn Senior Services, the Lynn Home for the Elderly, and the local nonprofit 01908.

“The addition of these accomplished individuals marks an exciting chapter for the governance of LCHC,” said Board Chair Drew Russo. “Their diverse backgrounds and proven leadership will strengthen our board and help guide us toward a bold and impactful future.”

For more information about LCHC and its leadership, please visit lynnchc.org.

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