CHCN Executive Team

Alvaro brings more than two decades of leadership experience advancing community health and strengthening California’s healthcare safety net.

A seasoned, mission-driven executive, Alvaro has led large-scale community health initiatives and overseen multi-million-dollar programs supporting underserved populations across California. With deep expertise in supporting Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), he is recognized for navigating complex healthcare policy landscapes, responding to market shifts, and building sustainable systems of care that improve access and outcomes.

Known for translating vision into action, Alvaro is a collaborative leader who builds high-performing, mission-driven teams and develops innovative strategies that create measurable impact. He is particularly skilled at identifying growth opportunities, forging strategic partnerships, and advancing sustainable solutions that strengthen community-based healthcare systems.

Alvaro’s commitment to health equity is deeply personal. As the Spanish-speaking son of Mexican immigrant parents who relied on public assistance programs, he brings lived experience that shapes his leadership and fuels his passion for expanding access to quality healthcare in underserved communities. He is dedicated to advancing the long-term sustainability of FQHCs through population health strategies, value-based care models, and cross-sector partnerships that address systemic barriers and improve health outcomes for all.

Akshay Bhakhri brings over two decades of leadership experience in Health IT, with a proven track record of advancing digital transformation and driving innovation across complex healthcare ecosystems. As Chief Information Technology Officer at CHCN, he aligns technology strategy with organizational priorities to deliver scalable, data-driven outcomes.

Prior to joining CHCN, Akshay held senior leadership roles across both high-growth startups in New York and California, as well as global enterprises such as IBM and Elevance Health. His experience spans diverse operating environments, where he has successfully led technology initiatives from concept through execution.

Akshay has championed the adoption of emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and advanced analytics—to enhance operational performance and improve outcomes. He is recognized for fostering cross-functional collaboration across globally distributed teams and delivering solutions that are both innovative and grounded in measurable business value.

His core expertise includes IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and governance, with a focus on building resilient, future-ready technology capabilities. Akshay holds an MBA in Information Systems and a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Engineering. He also maintains certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), TOGAF 9, Open Group Open Agile Architecture, and leading cloud platforms, including AWS and Microsoft.

Steve brings more than 30 years of experience in the healthcare field as a clinician, executive and thought leader and is passionate about helping to reduce the amount of suffering in the world by developing and providing high quality, patient focused clinical services

His background includes experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities and programs, public sector mental health programs, managed healthcare and EAP organizations and several health technology startups.

Steve holds an undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University, a master’s degree in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from The University of Southern California.

Additionally, he is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality.

Raj is a board-certified physician in internal medicine, nephrology, and clinical informatics. Prior to CHCN, Raj was in private practice as a nephrologist, specializing in interventional nephrology, and kidney/pancreas transplant in Texas until 2012. Raj joined Cigna Healthcare in 2012 where he stayed until 2024, serving as the national medical director focusing on improving networks, quality, transparence, health informatics and analytics.

Living in Fremont, CA, Raj enjoys playing pickleball, riding road and mountain bikes and walking/hiking. Raj also practices medicine part time at our member health center, Bay Area Community Health.

Michael is a Human Resources/Management Professional and former Naval Officer with over 10 years of experience leading people and empowering teams. He received a BS in Anthropology from Tulane University, an MBA from New Mexico Highlands University, and holds senior level HR certifications from the Human Resource Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resources Management. Michael has prior experience as the Human Resources Director for an FQHC in his home state of New Mexico and is excited to continue to work in the community health center sphere.

Toni brings more than two decades of experience in safety-net healthcare policy and government relations. Prior to joining Alameda Health Consortium, Toni served as a regional government affairs manager for Changent (previously the National Service Office for Nurse-Family Partnership and Child First, two evidence-based maternal, infant & early childhood home visiting programs that improve families’ health, reduce child abuse, and increase families’ self-sufficiency). Prior to that, Ms. Panetta served as director of mission programs for Susan G. Komen Colorado, where she was responsible for managing state-level public policy efforts and a $2 million annual grant portfolio to reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes, and as political director for NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado Inc. & NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado Foundation, where she managed the organizations’ elections and public policy programs to increase access to the full spectrum of reproductive health services.

A Colorado native, Toni is a proud step-mother, cat mom, runner, hiker & kayaker; and a lover of outdoor music festivals, travel, and flavorful food.