PRC Welcomes Dr. Deborah Hawkes as Chief Executive Officer

Press Release

We’re excited to share big news: PRC has officially welcomed Dr. Deborah Hawkes as our new Chief Executive Officer!

Dr. Hawkes is a nationally respected healthcare executive with nearly three decades of transformative leadership in health systems, behavioral health, and community services. Throughout her career, she has championed health equity, operational excellence, and person-centered care—values that align perfectly with PRC’s mission.

As CEO, Dr. Hawkes will guide PRC’s strategic and financial direction, complete our new five-year strategic plan, and ensure strong governance and compliance. Most importantly, she will lead efforts to deepen our impact and expand access to holistic, integrated care for San Francisco’s most vulnerable communities.

A Proven Leader in Healthcare and Community Impact

Before joining PRC, Dr. Hawkes served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at CAN Community Health, a large national network specializing in HIV/AIDS care. There, she oversaw multi-site clinical operations—spanning primary care, behavioral health, pharmacy, outreach, and dental services—and led the organization to make consistent improvements in patient outcomes, revenue growth, and employee engagement. During her tenure, CAN was recognized annually as a “Best Place to Work”

Dr. Hawkes’s career also includes leadership roles with Altisource, Change Healthcare, IDEMIA, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Siemens Healthcare, and Dell. Across these positions, she spearheaded value-based care models, patient experience initiatives, and operational transformations that reduced costs while expanding access to care.

Dr. Hawkes holds a PhD and MPhil in Health and Human Services, an MBA, and a BS in Organizational Leadership, and is a certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt—bringing both vision and rigor to her leadership style.

Leading with Heart and Vision

“Dr. Hawkes’s unparalleled experience in nonprofit health leadership, combined with a deep understanding of complex funding streams and community-based care, make her the ideal leader for this moment,” said PRC Board Chair Darren Smith. “She has the expertise, heart, and vision to elevate PRC’s work.”

Dr. Hawkes shares that enthusiasm:

“PRC’s legacy inspires me. I am honored to lead an organization so deeply rooted in community, advocacy, and healing. My focus will be on integrating medical and social care through wraparound services that promote long-term wellness and true equity for all.”

We are thrilled for the future of PRC under Dr. Hawkes’s leadership and look forward to the innovation, compassion, and impact she will bring to our work.