Meet Our New Executive Director

Following an extensive search, CTC-RI is pleased to announce that our Board of Directors unanimously selected John Minichiello, MBA to lead our organization into its next chapter. A seasoned healthcare executive, John brings a strong track record of advancing value-based care and population health initiatives, fostering collaborative solutions.

"I am deeply honored to step into the leadership role at the Care Transformation Collaborative of RI during such a critical time for primary care,” said John. “The work CTC-RI is doing to reshape the primary care delivery model is vital to the Rhode Island community. I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team and stakeholders to ensure that primary care remains the cornerstone of a high-quality, sustainable healthcare system. Together, we will continue to drive meaningful change and innovation in healthcare delivery."

John’s leadership approach is centered on the belief that primary care is the foundation of an equitable and effective healthcare system. Previously president of Integra Community Care Network and owner of Minichiello Consulting, where he provided value-based care and population health strategy and consultation to hospitals, physician groups and third-party vendors participating in value-based payment arrangements, he has dedicated his career to championing multi-payer models that integrate primary care with the broader healthcare system, ensuring accessibility, efficiency, and accountability. His strategic expertise, systems thinking, and ability to build strong teams will be invaluable as CTC-RI continues to lead the way in primary care transformation.

“This is a pivotal time for primary care in our state, and we are thrilled to welcome John as our new Executive Director. His leadership, vision, and deep commitment to advancing primary care will be instrumental as we move toward value-based care and expand team-based care programs,” said Dr. Elizabeth Lange, CTC-RI Board President. “As we navigate the challenges facing our healthcare system, John will play a key role in strengthening primary care, advocating for key investments, and ensuring that more Rhode Islanders have access to high-quality care that meets their evolving needs.

John succeeds Debra Hurwitz, MBA, BSN, RN, who is retiring after 14 years of dedicated service and leadership. Since our inception, CTC-RI has been at the forefront of transforming primary care in RI, and Debra has been instrumental in that journey. Under her leadership, our organization has expanded its reach, strengthened partnerships, and advanced multi-payer primary care models that improve health outcomes for Rhode Islanders. The entire CTC-RI community extends its deepest gratitude to Debra for her vision, commitment, and the legacy she leaves behind.

Want to hear more? John took a moment to share further insight and ideas around his new leadership role with CTC-RI:

This is a crucial time for primary care, as the industry and workforce rapidly changes. Why do you want to lead CTC-RI?

“I want to lead CTC-RI because this is a pivotal moment for primary care, and I’m deeply committed to helping shape its future. Primary care is the foundation of a truly integrated healthcare system, yet it has been chronically underfunded despite its potential to reduce overall healthcare costs and improve outcomes. The community deserves better. CTC-RI’s mission to support the transformation of primary care as a cornerstone of an accessible, affordable, and equitable healthcare system resonates with me. I’m excited to collaborate with stakeholders across Rhode Island to build an integrated system that empowers primary care professionals, supports patients, and reduces healthcare costs. Through collective effort, we can create a healthcare system where primary care is at the center, driving sustainable change and improved health outcomes.”

As a healthcare leader, what would you like the primary care community to know about your leadership approach and ideas for CTC-RI success?

“My leadership approach is rooted in the understanding that integrated, high-quality primary care is not just a component of a sustainable healthcare system—it is its foundation. Primary care has historically been undervalued and underfunded, even though it is crucial to reducing healthcare costs, improving health outcomes, and providing equitable access. At CTC-RI, we are committed to advancing multi-payer models that integrate primary care with the broader healthcare system, ensuring it is not only accessible but also efficient and accountable. My approach will focus on building strong partnerships with healthcare professionals, payers, and community stakeholders to ensure that primary care is the foundation of our integrated healthcare system. Success for CTC-RI will be about creating a healthcare environment where primary care physicians and patients alike thrive, and where innovation in primary care delivery is the norm, not the exception.”

What new opportunities or challenges are you looking forward to addressing?

“Leading CTC-RI comes at a pivotal time when we have the opportunity to redefine primary care as the cornerstone of an integrated, accountable healthcare system. One of the most significant challenges facing healthcare today is the underinvestment in primary care, which has long hindered our ability to create an effective, integrated healthcare system. I am excited to work with our team and stakeholders to address this challenge by expanding access to high-quality, comprehensive primary care and ensuring that payment models align with the value primary care brings. As we continue to develop multi-payer models, we will focus on fostering collaboration across healthcare systems to ensure that primary care serves as the hub for preventive care, chronic disease management, and coordinated services. This is our moment to build a truly integrated, patient-centered system that provides equitable, affordable, and high-quality care to every Rhode Islander.”