Dr. Charles Chima is a visionary healthcare strategist and population health expert with a distinguished career in transforming healthcare systems to improve access, quality, and equity. With extensive experience spanning clinical medicine, public health, and healthcare policy, he has led large-scale initiatives that bridge the gap between medical care and social determinants of health. His expertise in healthcare innovation, delivery system transformation, and data-driven strategy has made him a leading advocate for strengthening health systems and improving patient outcomes.
Charles Chima has been at the forefront of initiatives integrating public health principles into healthcare delivery throughout his career. As the former City Public Health Director and CEO of Falls Community Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he led efforts to enhance primary care services for underserved populations, launching innovative programs that expanded medication access, improved chronic disease management, and reduced health disparities. His leadership in data-informed decision-making was crucial in ensuring equitable COVID-19 vaccine distribution, particularly among vulnerable communities.
Now serving as the Chief Healthcare Innovation and Strategy Officer at the Washington State Department of Health, Charles Chima drives statewide efforts to align healthcare, public health, and social care systems. His work focuses on advancing Medicaid reform, expanding healthcare access in rural and underserved areas, and fostering cross-sector partnerships to improve chronic disease management. By leveraging technology, policy innovation, and strategic funding, he has played a key role in modernizing healthcare delivery and strengthening the workforce.
A core aspect of Charles Chima’s expertise lies in advancing value-based care and population health strategies prioritising prevention and long-term health outcomes. As Program Director and Assistant Professor of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, he developed and led graduate programs focused on health equity, healthcare transformation, and data analytics. His healthcare policy and research contributions have informed system-wide improvements in chronic disease prevention and value-based payment models.
Recognized as a thought leader in healthcare innovation, Charles Chima has been honoured for his contributions to health system transformation, including being named a 40 Under 40 Public Health Leader by the de Beaumont Foundation. His work has been featured in leading healthcare and public health platforms, and he continues to engage in high-level discussions on healthcare reform, equitable access, and the future of integrated care. His ability to translate complex healthcare challenges into actionable solutions has positioned him as a trusted voice in shaping the future of healthcare policy and delivery.
Looking ahead, Charles Chima remains committed to pioneering strategies that enhance healthcare efficiency, affordability, and accessibility. His vision is to create a healthcare system that prioritizes patient-centered care, strengthens preventive health services, and leverages data-driven insights to improve health outcomes. Whether through executive leadership, policy advocacy, or healthcare consulting, he champions innovative solutions that drive meaningful and lasting improvements in healthcare delivery.