Greater Seacoast Community Health Announces CEO Transition

SOMERSWORTH and PORTSMOUTH – Jim Avrett, CEO of Greater Seacoast Community Health, informed the organization’s Board of Directors this fall that he will leave his position at the end of 2024, for personal reasons. The Board is in the final stages of naming an interim CEO and will announce the selection shortly.

Avrett joined Greater Seacoast in September 2021 as Chief Operating Officer. He then assumed the CEO role following Janet Laatsch’s retirement last year. “These have been among the most meaningful and rewarding roles of my career,” he said, “so my decision to step down now was a difficult one.”

As CEO, Avrett led an organization that serves approximately 15,000 Seacoast residents annually, with 230 employees and a $22 million budget. During his tenure, Greater Seacoast opened a health clinic at Somersworth High School and Middle School, the first school-based health clinic in New Hampshire to offer both primary and behavioral health care.

Following the appointment of an interim CEO, the Board will begin a comprehensive search for a permanent CEO to lead the organization into the future and sustain its impact.

“I am confident in making this decision now, as the organization is financially stable and has a very dedicated and talented staff, an engaged Board, and the unwavering support of our community of donors and volunteers,” Avrett said. “It has been an honor to work alongside these people. I have particularly valued building relationships with Board members, employees, donors and community partners who are deeply committed to our mission of providing health services and support to all in our community, regardless of ability to pay.”

Avrett continued, "The need for compassionate, integrated health services remains crucial. I am confident that Greater Seacoast Community Health will continue to be a vital part of our community’s healthcare safety net, and I look forward to seeing the organization’s continued success."

Jennifer Glidden, chair of the Board of Directors, expressed gratitude for Avrett’s leadership: "Jim has been a driving force behind our mission to deliver high-quality health care to the community,” she said. “His dedication will be greatly missed.”

Greater Seacoast Community Health is a network of community health centers providing a wide range of services, including primary care, pediatrics, dental care, prenatal care, behavioral health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, mobile health services, WIC, social work, parenting classes, playgroups, and home visiting. The network includes Families First Health & Support Center in Portsmouth, Goodwin Community Health in Somersworth, The Family Center, and the Strafford County Public Health Network. All services are open to everyone and are designed to be respectful, recovery-friendly, LGBTQ-affirming, and trauma-informed. For more information, visit GetCommunityHealth.org.