Providence Community Health Centers names Mary Benvenuto as President and Chief Executive Officer
Mary Benvenuto, a seasoned healthcare executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience, has been named President and CEO of Providence Community Health Centers. Benvenuto, who will join PCHC on October 13, 2026, was a unanimous selection of the Board of Directors following an extensive national search. She replaces Merrill Thomas, who will be retiring later this year after 25 years as President and CEO of PCHC.
Benvenuto brings a proven track record of operational excellence, strategic growth, financial stewardship, and mission-driven leadership to Rhode Island’s largest federally qualified health center. She currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Open Sky Community Services, a $140 million behavioral health and human services organization serving communities throughout Central Massachusetts. In this role, she oversees operations, including finance, information technology, human resources, facilities, data strategy, real estate, and organizational growth initiatives.
Prior to joining Open Sky, Benvenuto served as Chief Financial Officer of Manet Community Health Center, a federally qualified health center in Massachusetts, where she partnered with executive leadership to expand access to care, strengthen operational performance, and support organizational growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her experience also includes executive leadership roles with Last Mile Health and the United Way of Rhode Island. Benvenuto received her Master of Science in Accounting from Nichols College and Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bryant University.
“Mary is an exceptional leader whose experience is well aligned with PCHC’s mission and vision for the future,” said Michael Cancilliere, Chair of Providence Community Health Centers’ Board of Directors. “Her deep understanding of community-based healthcare, organizational transformation, employee engagement, and strategic growth will help ensure that PCHC continues to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare services to the 80,000 Providence residents who depend on us for high-quality comprehensive care.”
Throughout her career, Benvenuto has led large-scale operational transformations, implemented innovative technology solutions, developed high-performing leadership teams, strengthened organizational infrastructure, and partnered closely with boards and community stakeholders to advance mission-driven outcomes. At Open Sky, she led the implementation of company-wide performance management and strategic planning processes, modernized business operations, and oversaw significant investments in technology, data analytics, and workforce development.
“I am honored to join Providence Community Health Centers and build upon its remarkable legacy of caring for underserved people in our capital city,” said Mary Benvenuto. “I join with others in honoring the incredible contributions of Merrill Thomas over the last 25 years in terms of growth in patients cared for, services offered, and facilities constructed. His leadership has been key to PCHC’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate, and accessible healthcare. I look forward to serving alongside PCHC’s staff, leadership, community partners, and Board of Directors as we work collectively to care for our patients. We are here to advance health access, improve outcomes, and ensure every member of our community receives the care they deserve, regardless of their ability to pay.”
As CEO, Benvenuto will lead a team of 500 employees as she guides strategic initiatives that support patient access, workforce development, operational excellence, financial sustainability, and continued investment in community health. Her leadership comes at a pivotal time as PCHC continues to expand services and strengthen its role as a trusted provider of comprehensive primary care, behavioral health, dental care, specialty services, and community-based healthcare programs.
The appointment follows a comprehensive national search conducted by executive search firm Korn Ferry and the PCHC Board of Directors. Board members cited Benvenuto’s demonstrated ability to lead complex organizations, drive innovation, foster collaborative cultures, and deliver measurable results while remaining deeply focused on mission and community impact.