Retirement Events To Honor CEO of HR Community Health Center

PORTSMOUTH

A new location open house, retirement reception, and portrait unveiling and wall-hanging are being planned to honor the retirement of Hampton Roads Community Health Center’s longtime CEO, Barbara L. Willis.

Willis is retiring after more than 20 years of leadership at the community health center which provides primary healthcare, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, internal medicine, integrated behavioral health and comprehensive dental care.

Since Willis assumed the helm in 2003, the organization has grown from one location in Portsmouth to five locations in Portsmouth and Norfolk, a dental mobile unit, one medical/dental mobile unit and an in-house pharmacy. HRCHC now also employs more than 100 employees including board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, clinical, executive and administrative support who serve residents of the Hampton Roads region and beyond.

An Open House will take place on  Thursday, April 11, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the newly-renovated Park Place Family Medical & Dental Center, 155 Kingsley Lane, Suite 320, Norfolk.

On Friday April 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Renaissance Portsmouth-Norfolk Waterfront Hotel, a retirement party will be held. The attire is semi-formal.

Finally, a portrait unveiling of Mrs.Willis will conclude the retirement celebrations on Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Barbara L. Willis Wellness Center, 1541 High St., Portsmouth. The public is welcome to attend the unveiling with light refreshments to follow.

“We will sorely miss Mrs. Willis, an ardent advocate of health equity and one who embodies compassionate care and excellence,” said newly-appointed CEO Michel Bile, who recently served as the organization’s chief financial officer.

“Barbara has built a legacy of healing and hope, as well as dedicated quality and service to the community.”