Tag: Dr. Deborah Hawkes

PRC Welcomes Community for Fourth Annual Open House 

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

PRC was proud to welcome guests to our fourth annual Open House, an evening dedicated to connection, reflection, and learning more about the programs and people working every day to support San Franciscans experiencing housing instability, unemployment, and behavioral health challenges. 

Guests were invited to explore our space, meet staff members, and learn firsthand about PRC’s programs—from Emergency Financial Assistance and legal advocacy for SSI/SSDI to workforce development, residential treatment, and the Hummingbird walk-in centers that provide immediate support for individuals who would otherwise be homeless. 

A particularly meaningful part of the evening was a tribute to the late John Fostel, whose leadership shaped PRC’s residential treatment programs for more than 20 years. Guests visited a Pay It Forward tribute wall, composed of small acts of kindness inspired by John’s philosophy of care that they can carry forward in their daily lives. The tribute also showcased a plaque and photo of John that will be placed at the entrance of the home, now named in his honor. 

In addition, PRC presented a magnolia tree that will soon be planted in the backyard during a ceremony honoring John’s legacy and his commitment to compassionate care. 

Following the open house tours, guests gathered in the third-floor café for a semi-formal program led by members of PRC’s leadership team. 

The program was opened by Board Treasurer and event champion Ahmad Henry, who welcomed guests and introduced PRC’s new CEO, Dr. Deborah Hawkes. 

Dr. Hawkes shared a powerful story about a recent interaction with a person experiencing homelessness outside PRC’s building. When she stopped to offer support and conversation, the individual shared that no one had spoken to them in 30 days. It was a sobering reminder of the isolation many people experience and a call for all of us to remain compassionate and aware of the humanity in every person we encounter. 

Dr. Hawkes then introduced a PRC client speaker, who shared their journey with the organization. They described how PRC’s Emergency Financial Assistance program (EFA) helped them avoid homelessness during a financial crisis, and more recently how EFA supported them in accessing dental care—an experience that restored not only their health but their confidence. They shared that they are currently working with PRC’s Legal Advocacy team and expressed deep gratitude for the compassion and immediacy they have experienced throughout their interactions with PRC’s staff.  

Next, Tasha Henneman, Chief of Policy and Government Affairs, highlighted the work of the Black Leadership Council, an initiative of PRC focused on uplifting Black voices in policy conversations. She shared how the council recently partnered with other Black-led organizations to host a Gubernatorial Debate, ensuring candidates addressed the pressing issues affecting underserved communities and the systems needed to support them. 

Melida Solorzano, Director of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Programs, then delivered a heartfelt tribute to John Fostel, reflecting on his more than two decades of leadership at PRC. Beginning as a program director at the home formerly known as Grove Street—now named in his honor—John later became PRC’s Chief Clinical Officer, helping develop the wraparound support systems that continue to serve hundreds of San Franciscans each year. 

Melida invited guests to take one of the Pay It Forward messages from the tribute wall home with them and incorporate it into their daily lives, keeping John’s compassion and dedication to humanity alive. 

Dr. Hawkes closed the evening by expressing her deep appreciation for the staff, partners, and community members who make PRC’s work possible. She emphasized that with uncertainty around federal funding, community engagement and support are more important than ever, and that we are all in this fight together. 

Throughout the evening, guests generously contributed nearly $10,000 to support PRC’s programs, helping expand access to services including: 

  • Emergency Financial Assistance
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) legal advocacy
  • Workforce development and career training
  • 90-day residential treatment programs
  • Transitional living homes
  • Hummingbird walk-in support centers 

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended and honored to have welcomed new friends into the PRC community. Events like this allow people to better understand the impact of our work by meeting the individuals who deliver these services every day. 

As we look ahead, we invite our community to stay involved—whether by spreading the word about PRC’s work, volunteering at an upcoming Healing Spaces event, exploring corporate sponsorship opportunities, supporting grants and donations, or simply joining our mailing list to stay connected. 

Together, we can continue building a San Francisco where everyone has the support they need to live with dignity and hope. 

PRC Welcomes Dr. Deborah Hawkes as Chief Executive Officer

Posted on by Seth Abrahamson

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.