Stan McLaren, a long-time advocate for the underserved, named CEO of Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

Stan McLaren MBA, a passionate advocate of excellence in the health care of poor and homeless persons, will become the next Chief Executive Officer of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP). McLaren most recently served as the President of Carney Hospital.

McLaren has devoted his career to the service of people from low-income backgrounds. Before assuming the reins at the Dorchester hospital, he was the CEO of Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center. Earlier in his career, McLaren was a member of the leadership team at a school serving under-resourced communities in Boston. He also worked at the Boston Public Health Commission, where he founded a program helping fathers become fully involved with their families and their communities.

“We are thrilled and blessed to welcome Stan McLaren as our CEO at this critical juncture in the 40-year journey of the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program,” said Jim O’Connell, MD, President of BHCHP and the organization’s founding physician. “Stan is respected and loved by hospitals, health centers, shelters, and the many city and state officials who have long been our partners in fostering our mission. With daunting changes ahead in both health care financing and approaches to homelessness, Stan has vast experience and a passionate commitment to assuring excellent health care to those trying to survive without homes. He brings with him a longstanding devotion to our Boston community as well. We could not be more excited to embrace Stan McLaren as our inspiration and leader as we embark on this next critical phase of our beloved program.”

McLaren’s numerous accomplishments have been widely recognized, earning him the Joan Wallace Benjamin Leadership Award from the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts. He has held leadership roles on the board of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers and has been a member of the New England Council’s Healthcare Committee.

“As I step into the role of CEO at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program,” says McLaren, “I am deeply honored to lead an organization that embodies collaboration, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. Together, we will strengthen our efforts to provide essential care and support to the most vulnerable members of our community so that everyone can access the dignity and health they deserve.”

“Serving as the interim CEO this past year has been an immense honor, and it is a true privilege to now hand over the reins to Stan McLaren. His dedication to serving historically disadvantaged communities precedes him,” said Denise De Las Nueces, MD, MPH, an internal medicine physician who has been serving as Chief Medical Officer as well as interim CEO. “In this pivotal moment in our program’s history, when the population of people and families experiencing homelessness in our community has increased, I am comforted by the knowledge that a leader as gifted and talented as he will take the helm. I am confident that our program will thrive under Stan’s leadership, so that we can continue to advance our mission here in Boston.” Dr. De Las Nueces will continue serving as CMO.

Barbara Blakeney, Chairperson of the BHCHP’s Board of Directors has this to say, “On behalf of the Board of Directors. I’m delighted to welcome such an accomplished community and health care leader and advocate to the BHCHP community. Stan’s accomplishments speak strongly to a lifetime commitment to our patients and their needs, and we look forward to continuing our mission of service with his leadership.”

McLaren has an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University and a BA in economics from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. A proud resident of Dorchester for over 30 years, he and his wife Leonora have raised three children there and are active members of the community.

McLaren joins BHCHP as the non-profit marks its 40th anniversary.

About Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program

BHCHP is an integrated team of over 600 medical and behavioral health staff, social service providers, and support staff committed to ensuring access to dignified health care for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in greater Boston. With a dynamic network of more than 30 clinics in shelters and on the streets, in two academic teaching hospitals, and at a medical respite program, BHCHP strives for continuity of compassionate and integrated care while serving nearly 11,000 individuals and families each year. BHCHP is the largest and most comprehensive health care for the homeless program in the nation and a leader in education and research. Its model of care has been emulated by cities throughout the country and internationally. For more information, visit www.bhchp.org