LANSING—The Michigan Primary Care Association (MPCA) announced Monday that Phillip Bergquist has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Primary Care Association, effective November 16, 2021. (Pictured: Dennis Litos, left, and Phillip Bergquist.)
“This is a pivotal time for Michigan’s community health centers and Phillip is a dynamic leader with the experience and passion to fulfill our vision of equitable and just healthcare for all,” said Jim Raschke, MPCA Board Chair and CEO of MidMichigan Community Health Services. “He brings the knowledge and energy that will allow us to continue to make a positive impact on the health of Michiganders and serve our members’ needs.”
“We conducted a national search with many highly qualified candidates. I’m confident that Phillip is the right individual to connect with our health centers and key partners to move the Association forward and meet the healthcare needs of the communities we serve,” said Tasha Blackmon, Chair of the MPCA CEO Search Committee and CEO of Cherry Health.
Bergquist will take over for retiring CEO Dennis Litos after having served as the association’s chief operating officer. While serving as MPCA’s COO Bergquist was responsible for planning and overseeing the operations of the Association including the execution of short- and long-term goals, developing MPCA’s strategic plan, and leading several MPCA staff teams. Before working for MPCA, Phillip served in several healthcare leadership roles including as the chief operating officer of Honor Community Health, a community health center serving the residents of Oakland County, and as manager of policy and strategic initiatives for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve Michigan’s community health centers as MPCA’s CEO and thrilled to have the privilege to lead the dedicated team at MPCA,” said Phillip Bergquist, MPCA’s incoming CEO. “Together, I am confident MPCA will continue to deliver on our mission to support health center excellence in the delivery of equitable care.”
“It has been a privilege to serve as MPCA’s CEO during these challenging times. The impressive efforts that I witnessed by our member health centers throughout the pandemic served as a reminder of the important work being done to care for those who are underserved across our state,” said Dennis Litos, MPCA’s retiring CEO. “I thank MPCA’s Board and members for the opportunity to contribute to Michigan’s health center community. It was indeed the most fitting way to conclude my long career in health care.”
Building on MPCA’s over 40-year legacy of positive contributions to Michigan’s healthcare landscape and health safety net, MPCA will continue to champion health and social policies that support health centers and the patients they serve, bring together member organizations to encourage peer sharing and learning, encourage strong relationships between health centers and a diverse set of partners, and support health centers in the continuous pursuit of patient-centered services, the advancement of value-based care, and organizational excellence.