Laura Huffman officially assumed the role of chief executive officer at Community First Health Centers on June 1, following a months-long leadership transition.
Huffman succeeds Mike Baranowski, who retired after 26 years with the organization. The transition was planned months in advance, with Community First’s board selecting Huffman for the role in January and allowing her to work alongside Baranowski before assuming leadership.
“I am honored and privileged to be able to serve in this capacity and to be trusted to serve in this capacity,” Huffman said.
Huffman joined Community First in 2021 as director of practice operations before being promoted to chief operating officer and chief compliance officer. She said working closely with Baranowski over the past several years helped prepare her for the position.
A Marysville High School graduate, Huffman earned her bachelor’s degree in 2008 and master’s degree in 2010 from Saginaw Valley State University before returning to St. Clair County. She now lives in St. Clair.
Before joining Community First, Huffman spent five years with Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) and Blue Water Hospice as chief development officer and vice president of business development. She later spent five years helping establish the Lake Huron Medical Center Foundation and expand its community health programs.
Founded in 1975, Community First Health Centers provides medical, dental and behavioral health services regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. The organization employs about 120 people and operates locations in Port Huron, Algonac and New Haven.
Huffman said maintaining access to local healthcare is especially important as healthcare services continue to evolve.
“I want to be able to preserve access to quality healthcare locally,” Huffman said.
Community First has continued to expand its services in recent years, including opening a teen health center at Algonac High School in March 2026 and preparing to open a second teen health center at Port Huron High School later this summer.
“As we look forward, we will continue to build on our very solid foundation, preserving and expanding access to quality healthcare for all people,” Huffman said.
Contact reporter Andy Jeffrey at ajeffrey@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Community First Health Centers welcomes new CEO Laura Huffman
Reporting by Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald / Port Huron Times Herald
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By Andy Jeffrey, Port Huron Times Herald | USA TODAY Network
