Continuing period of strategic growth, Rhode Island Public Health Institute expands senior leadership team
With a focus on sustainable growth, the Rhode Island Public Health Institute (RIPHI), an independent nonprofit organization that owns and operates the Open Door Health clinic in Providence and is dedicated to addressing complex health disparities in Rhode Island and beyond, has announced senior leadership additions to its clinical staff, executive team, and Board of Directors.
This recent round of new hires, board appointments, and internal promotions comes as RIPHI continues a period of strategic growth. Since 2020, RIPHI’s annual operating budget – comprised primarily of clinical revenue, grant funding, and philanthropic gifts – has increased from roughly $1.5 million to more than $10 million. The organization is currently working through the pre-construction stage of building its planned, 30,000-square-foot public health center in Providence – a milestone that will allow RIPHI to more than triple its primary care capacity and bring its full clinical, administrative, research and policy teams under one roof.
“We are proud of the significant level of trust our clinical team has built with the people and communities we serve over the years, and we’re excited to expand the impact of our work as we enter our organization’s next chapter,” said Dr. Amy Nunn, CEO, Rhode Island Public Health Institute.
RIPHI expands clinical staff as Open Door Health celebrates sixth anniversary
Dr. Sapna Chowdhry recently joined RIPHI as the Medical Director of Open Door Health, the organization’s LGBTQ+-focused primary care and sexual health clinic located in Providence. RIPHI founded Open Door Health in March of 2020 with a staff of five and a patient panel of less than 1,000. Today, the clinic employs a diverse team of nearly 25 primary care providers, nurses, patient navigators and administrative staff and provides affirming, compassionate care to more than 6,000 patients.
Dr. Chowdhry joins RIPHI with more than 20 years of experience in community health and clinical operations. In her new role, she will help oversee all clinical and administrative staff at Open Door Health and serve on RIPHI’s executive leadership team. She most recently served as Medical Director of Thundermist Health Center’s Woonsocket-based facility, leading an interdisciplinary team of more than 50 providers.
Also at the clinic, Jennifer Etue, LICSW has been promoted to RIPHI’s Senior Director of Integrated Behavioral Health. Etue joined RIPHI in 2024 to build the organization’s Open Mind platform, which added fully integrated, collaborative mental and behavioral health services into the primary care offered to all Open Door Health patients. In less than two years, Jen has built a culturally responsive team of licensed mental health counselors and patient navigators to meet the increasing demand for behavioral health services. In their expanded role, Jen will oversee strategic leadership, program development, research and grant initiatives, and cross-functional management across Open Door Health and Open Mind.
“Open Door Health has evolved as a place where mission-driven healthcare professionals want to practice and where patients know they will be seen, heard and respected,” said Dr. Philip A. Chan, Chief Medical Officer, Rhode Island Public Health Institute. “That trust has been built over time, and with leaders like Dr. Chowdhry and Jen, we are focused on expanding that welcoming, affirming environment to reach even more people who need care.”
RIPHI also announced the following additions to its executive leadership team:
Duffay Cuartas, M. Ed. was recently promoted to RIPHI’s Senior Director of Human Resources. Duffay joined RIPHI in January of 2025 as an HR Manager and led recruiting efforts to grow the organization’s full-time team from 30 employees to more than 40 in less than one year. She is passionate about building a diverse and inclusive workplace, supporting staff and managers, and fostering a culture of collaboration and care.
Additionally, Chris Raia joined RIPHI as the organization’s Senior Director of Communications & Marketing. Chris joins RIPHI with more than 10 years of strategic communications experience, most recently serving in an account leadership role at public relations firm Duffy & Shanley. He will be responsible for leading RIPHI’s marketing, branding and communications strategies as the organization expands its footprint and scales its mission across Rhode Island and beyond.
“Building a strong, mission-driven leadership team is essential as we continue to scale our impact,” said Dr. Nunn. “Duffay and Chris each bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to advancing health equity, and their leadership will help ensure we grow thoughtfully while staying focused on the people at the heart of our work.”
RIPHI’s Board of Directors welcomes new members; appoints Meeting Street CEO as Vice President
In addition to growing its internal team, RIPHI has also announced recent additions to its Board of Directors.
John M. Kelly was appointed Vice Chair of the Board of Directors. John joined the Board in 2025 and has served nearly 30 years as the President & CEO of Meeting Street, a national leader in child development, education, research and training.
Neil Berenson joined the Board of Directors as a member. Neil has more than 25 years of experience leading health systems, health plans, and digital health initiatives, and a proven expertise in strategic planning, organizational transformation, and using technology to improve care and patient outcomes. Neil has held senior leadership roles at Amwell, athenahealth, Accenture, and Clarion Healthcare. He earned his B.A. in International Relations from Tufts University; his J.D. from the Emory University School of Law; and his MALD in International Business from The Fletcher School at Tufts University.
Mark Johnson also joined the Board. Currently serving as Chief Financial & Information Officer at Hebrew SeniorLife, Mark is a healthcare finance & operations executive with more than 25 years of experience in operational planning, financial analysis, and organizational leadership. Mark holds a Master of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi and a Bachelor of Professional Accountancy from Mississippi State University. He is also a past President of the Rhode Island Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
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