Providence, RI | October 2026 – CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island (CHRI) has announced the appointment of Richard Charest as its new Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Jeffrey Liebman, effective November 1, 2026.
Liebman, who has led CharterCARE since 2018, guided the organization through significant challenges, including the bankruptcy and subsequent sale by its former owner, Prospect Medical. The CHRI Board of Directors expressed appreciation for Liebman’s leadership and dedication throughout this period of transition.
Charest brings 26 years of executive healthcare leadership experience in Rhode Island, with a background spanning nonprofit, for-profit and government hospitals. Most recently, he served as Rhode Island’s Secretary of Health and Human Services since 2023. His experience includes leading financial and operational turnaround efforts for healthcare organizations, including Landmark Medical Center.
A Focus on Stability, Growth and Quality Care
CHRI Board Chair Ben Mingle emphasized that Charest’s extensive experience makes him well-positioned to lead CharterCARE through its next chapter.
“Our Board felt that Rick’s experience and skill set made him uniquely qualified over other candidates to step right in and begin executing on our comprehensive strategic turnaround plan,” said Mingle.
While acknowledging recent financial pressures, Mingle highlighted several positive developments across the organization, including increasing patient volumes, the recruitment of new physicians and specialists, expanded programs and services, and continued investments in equipment and facilities.
He also reinforced the Board’s commitment to maintaining high-quality clinical services and preserving access to essential healthcare for Rhode Island communities.
“Our Board is acutely aware of the critical role our hospitals play in our state’s health care system, and we are laser-focused on doing what is needed to preserve our mission and our community’s access to quality health care,” Mingle added.
Looking Ahead
As incoming CEO, Charest will focus on strengthening CharterCARE’s financial stability, improving operations and advancing the organization’s strategic turnaround plan.
“I look forward to tackling the challenge of leading CharterCARE Health of Rhode Island,” said Charest. “We must deliver on the strategic turnaround plan to stabilize finances and strengthen operations of these essential safety-net hospitals. I commit my best efforts to CharterCARE’s board, providers, and employees to make this happen.”
With new leadership and a continued focus on operational improvements, CharterCARE remains committed to supporting its healthcare professionals, strengthening its hospitals and delivering quality, accessible care to the Rhode Island communities it serves.
