Vice President of Health Center Operations

Terrance (Terry) Byrne

Terry plays a key role in facilities management and new operational initiatives. Terry, who began his career as a respiratory therapist, holds master’s degrees in health law from Loyola University and health care administration from Cleveland State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in applied health from Baldwin Wallace. Before coming to NFP, Terry was the chief operating office at a community health center focused on the homeless and those living in public housing. Prior to that, he served in an administrative capacity at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center and Southwest General Health Center with a focus on health information, compliance and risk management.

Vice President of Human Resources & Chief Diversity Officer

Michelle Curry

Michelle joined NFP in February 2021 as vice president of human resources and chief diversity officer. In this position, Michelle serves as a strategic business partner in developing and leading NFP’s human resources department and helps develop and oversee NFP’s overarching vision, strategic direction, and diversity, equity and inclusion program. Michelle has more than 20 years of experience serving diverse populations. Prior to joining NFP, Michelle was the executive director of Merrick House, a Cleveland neighborhood center that enriches lives of individuals of all ages through active, lifelong learning. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in communications and her masters degree in public administration from Cleveland State University.

Vice President of Business Development and President of North Coast Health Foundation

Gina Gavlak

Gina Gavlak earned a bachelor of science in nursing from Capital University. Gina joined NFP in January 2019 as vice president of business development and president of the North Coast Health Foundation. In her role, she leads the development of new programs and services, promotes community partnerships, works to develop business strategy and strategic priorities. Gina brings 27 years of experience in administration and leadership, program and fund development, advocacy and direct patient care. Prior to joining NFP, Gina served as president and CEO of North Coast Health, a faith-based charitable clinic, and led efforts which brought about the strategic affiliation of NCH and Neighborhood Family Practice. As president of the North Coast Health Foundation, Gina works to advance fund development and advocacy efforts to connect and mobilize community support for NFP’s six community health centers.

Vice President of Behavioral Health and Care Integration

Peggy Keating, LISW-S

Peggy Keating earned a master’s degrees in psychology and social work from Cleveland State University. She has been a practicing clinical social worker in Ohio for many years. She has had extensive training and experience working with issues related to trauma, sexual and physical abuse, addiction to alcohol and other drugs, disabilities, anxiety and depression. Her specialty areas include LGBT, women’s issues, and substance abuse/dependence. She sees patients of all ages.

Vice President of Performance Improvement

Candace LaRochelle

Candace joined NFP in November 2021 after working most recently as the area director of business development for University Hospitals Rehabilitation Hospitals.

At NFP, Candace’s efforts are focused on all aspects of patient care and outcomes using innovative solutions and strategies to promote organizational change, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, improve patient care and more.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University, a master’s of healthcare administration degree from Pfeifer University and a law degree from University of Dayton School of Law.  

Candace and her husband Ludgy have two children and live in Highland Heights.

Vice President of Marketing and Communications

Andrea Lyons

Andrea joined Neighborhood Family Practice in August 2021 as vice president of marketing and communications. In this position, Andrea leads marketing and strategic communications with the goal to increase the visibility of the organization’s services and locations to current and prospective patients, as well as other community-based stakeholders and supporters.

Andrea has nearly 30 years of experience in marketing and communications across various for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining NFP, Andrea was the director of race, diversity, equity and inclusion for United Way of Greater Cleveland. In that role, she was responsible for developing and executing diversity and inclusion programs for staff and across Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties.  

Andrea earned her bachelor of arts in political science at Rutgers University and master of business administration from New York University – Stern School of Business. 

President and Chief Executive Officer

Jean Polster, RN, MS

Jean Polster has more than thirty years of senior management experience in health and human services in both Ohio and California. She joined Neighborhood Family Practice in 2003 as President and CEO. Under her leadership, NFP opened five new health centers and expanded services.
Jean earned bachelor of science in nursing from the UNC – Chapel Hill and a master of science in health policy and management from the Harvard University School of Public Health. She received a certificate from the Weatherhead School of Management Professional Fellows Program at Case Western Reserve University.

Chief Financial Officer

Christine Porter, MBA

Christine Porter became chief financial officer at NFP in spring of 2016 after working in the organization for eight years as controller, senior financial advisor and credentialing specialist. As CFO, Christine directs all financial and accounting functions within NFP. Christine, who previously worked in finance capacities for both Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, has an MBA from Cleveland State University and an undergraduate degree in accounting from Kent State University. She maintains active volunteerism outside of work and has served on numerous boards of trustees for arts and service organizations.