For 50 years, BMS Family Health and Wellness Centers has been a community-rooted Federally Qualified Health Center serving Brownsville and East New York — providing primary care, dental, behavioral health, and social services to more than 19,000 patients each year. The decisions that shape this institution — what we offer, how we grow, whom we hire to lead — are guided by our Board of Directors: patients, neighbors, and community members who serve in trust for the people we care for.
Board service at BMS is not honorary. It is governance. Members help set strategy, ensure fiscal responsibility, and make sure the people running BMS reflect the people BMS serves. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, our board is required by law to be patient-majority — a structural commitment to community voice that has shaped this organization since 1975.
We are seeking new board members. Whether you are a current or former BMS patient, a longtime resident of Brownsville or East New York, or a professional with skills you’d like to put to work for community health, we’d like to hear from you.
Community Connection
We welcome candidates who are:
- Current or former patients of BMS who understand our mission firsthand
- Residents, stakeholders, or community advocates in the Brownsville and East New York communities•
- Individuals committed to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity
Essential Skills and Experience
We are particularly seeking candidates with experience in:
- Fundraising — Helping secure resources to expand our vital programs
- Advocacy — Championing policies that improve community health outcomes
- Grant writing and management — Supporting our pursuit of funding for innovative health initiatives
- Nonprofit financial management — Ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability
- Employment and workforce development — Helping create pathways to economic stability
- Educational program development — Supporting initiatives that empower our community
HRSA Board Composition Requirements
As a Federally Qualified Health Center, BMS operates under federal governance requirements:
- The governing board must have 9–25 members.
- At least 51% of board members must be patients served by the health center, reflecting diversity in race, ethnicity, and sex. (A parent of a pediatric patient may serve in this capacity.)
- Non-patient members must represent the community and bring relevant skills in areas such as community affairs, local government, finance, legal, trade unions, or social services.
- No more than 50% of non-patient members may earn more than 10% of their income from the healthcare industry.
- Employees and their immediate family members (spouse, child, parent, sibling) are prohibited from serving on the board.
What We Look For
Effective board members demonstrate:
- Commitment to health equity — An understanding that healthcare is a human right
- A community-centered approach — Prioritizing the voices and needs of those we serve
- Collaborative spirit — Working effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Strategic thinking — Contributing to long-term planning and sustainability
- Cultural competency — Respect for our diverse community
- Professional integrity — Upholding ethical standards in all decisions
Time Commitment
- Monthly virtual board meetings (one evening per month)
- Active participation in 1–2 ad hoc committees aligned with your expertise and interests
Committee Opportunities
- Health Equity & Advocacy Committee — Addressing systemic health disparities
- Development & Fundraising Committee — Securing sustainable funding
- Finance & Audit Committee — Overseeing fiscal management and compliance
- Community Engagement Committee — Strengthening ties with residents and stakeholders
- Programs & Services Committee — Evaluating and expanding healthcare offerings
- Governance & Strategic Planning Committee — Guiding organizational direction
What We Offer Board Members
- The opportunity to directly shape the health and wellbeing of an underserved community
- Professional development through nonprofit governance experience
- Networking with community leaders and healthcare professionals
- Training and support for effective board service
- The satisfaction of continuing a 50-year legacy of community transformation
How to Express Interest
If you would like to be considered for the BMS Board of Directors, please send the following to marcom@bmsfhc.org.
- A brief letter of interest (no more than one page) sharing why you would like to serve and what you would bring to the work
- A current resume, CV, or short bio
What to Expect
The Governance Committee reviews submissions on a rolling basis. Candidates whose backgrounds align with current Board needs will be invited to an informal conversation with committee members. Final candidates are presented to the full Board for a vote, in accordance with our bylaws and HRSA composition requirements.
We aim to respond to every inquiry within four weeks. If you have questions before applying, please contact Abena Moore at amoore1@bmsfhc.org.
