Wood River Health Welcomes Four New Board Members

Wood River Health has appointed 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.

The four bring experience in healthcare, regulatory compliance, finance, strategic planning and community service to the organization, which provides primary medical, dental and behavioral healthcare throughout southern Rhode Island.

“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.”

Croke said their leadership will help Wood River Health expand access to care, respond to changing community needs and continue its mission of improving the health and well-being of its patients.

Wood River Health’s Board of Directors is made up of local professionals selected for their expertise and commitment to the communities served by the health center. Members provide strategic oversight, establish policies, monitor performance, safeguard the organization’s assets and help plan for its future.

As a Federally Qualified Health Center, or FQHC, Wood River Health operates under a governance model established by federal law. At least 51 percent of its board members must be active patients of the health center, ensuring that the people receiving care have a direct voice in its leadership and decision-making.

Board members also serve on committees overseeing finance, governance, quality improvement, strategic planning, credentialing, fundraising and facilities.

Nancy Harrison, RN, BSN, MPH, is a Rhode Island native and longtime Hope Valley resident with more than 30 years of healthcare experience. Her career has included clinical and leadership positions in acute care, long-term care, home care, disease management and case management.

Harrison has led healthcare initiatives for UnitedHealthcare, Cigna Healthcare, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corporation. Most recently, she was part of a leadership team that earned National Committee for Quality Assurance accreditation for case management.

“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,” Harrison said. “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, is a senior manager in BerryDunn’s Healthcare Practice Group. Her areas of expertise include healthcare compliance, HIPAA privacy, quality improvement, regulatory compliance, policy development and risk management.

Hoffmann has held leadership positions in federally qualified health centers, hospital-based ambulatory care settings and Medicaid managed-care organizations. She is also nationally recognized for her work in healthcare compliance.

“I am a patient of Wood River Health,” Hoffmann said. “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 financial services since 1994 and is Executive Vice President of Beacon Bank. He has also held leadership positions with numerous nonprofit, educational and community organizations.

A Richmond resident for 32 years and a Wood River Health patient for more than 20 years, Parente said the health center is a strong community partner serving a population that has historically been underserved.

“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,” he said.

Eric Wilson, CFA, joined Professional Planning Group in 2024 as a financial advisor, working with individuals and families on wealth management and retirement planning strategies.

Before entering financial services, Wilson worked in scientific research and later held wealth-management positions supporting individual and institutional investors. He brings experience in financial stewardship, investment oversight and strategic planning to the board.

“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,” Wilson said.

Wood River Health’s Board of Directors meets monthly. Through its board and committee structure, members work to keep the organization financially strong, responsive to patients and prepared for future healthcare needs.

About Wood River Health

Wood River Health is a nonprofit organization that has provided health care services since 1976. We serve residents of Washington County, Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. Wood River Health is a full‑service medical, dental, and behavioral health care provider. We deliver patient‑centered care at locations in Hope Valley and Westerly, Rhode Island. Our patients live in rural communities, including small mill villages and farming areas, and include members of the Narragansett Indian Tribe.