New York, NY — December 10, 2025 — The Primary Care Development Corporation (PCDC), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening primary care and advancing health equity, today announced the appointment of Aparna Mekala as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2026. Mekala succeeds Louise Cohen, who became CEO in 2015 and is retiring. Prior to becoming CEO, Cohen served on the PCDC Board of Directors for 13 years and will assist in a smooth leadership transition.
With more than 20 years of leadership experience in health care delivery, consulting and financial management for mission-driven organizations, Mekala joins PCDC at a pivotal moment for primary care. PCDC continues to expand its impact through capital investment, technical assistance, and policy advocacy—reaching thousands of Federally Qualified Health Care Centers (FQHCs), other safety-net health care providers, and communities within New York state and across the country.
Yvette Teofan, PCDC Search Committee Chair, states, “We are thrilled to have Aparna on board to lead PCDC into its next chapter. The combination of her knowledge of the sector in which PCDC operates and her devotion to PCDC’s mission makes her the perfect person to guide us into the future.”
In her previous roles at CohnReznick LLC, first as Director and then as Partner of the growing Community Health Practice, Mekala led initiatives focused on delivering financial and operational consulting to FQHCs, community hospitals, primary care associations, and behavioral health organizations. Mekala advised her clients on business planning and financial transparency, working to scale up operations and secure tens of millions of dollars in philanthropic funding over the course of her tenure.
On the CEO role, Mekala said, “I’m honored to accept this position at a time when community-based care is facing extraordinary challenges and opportunities. Since its inception, PCDC has been at the forefront of expanding access to primary care in communities, and I’m excited to work with PCDC’s talented team and board to build on that remarkable legacy.”
John Holdsclaw IV, PCDC Board of Directors, and CEO, Rochedale Capital. states, “I am thrilled to welcome Aparna as the next Chief Executive Officer of PCDC. With two decades in health care strategy and a focus on advancing health equity, she brings the vision and expertise needed to guide us forward. Under her leadership, PCDC will continue to strengthen primary care and remain a national health care leader in community development finance, expanding access to services and improving outcomes for communities most in need.” PCDC retained BroadView Talent Partners, a national executive search firm, to lead the process of identifying the organization’s new leader.
About the Primary Care Development Corporation
The Primary Care Development Corporation is a national nonprofit and a US Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) dedicated to building equity and excellence in primary care. PCDC provides affordable capital, expertise, and advocacy to strengthen primary care systems in underserved communities across the United States. Visit www.pcdc.org to learn more.
Media Contact:
Emily Frizzell
VP, Marketing & Communications
Primary Care Development Corporation
efrizzell@pcdc.org | 212-437-3933