San Antonio, TX (March 21, 2025) – In honor of Women’s History Month, Community First Health Plans proudly celebrates the transformative leadership of women in hospital owned, managed district health plans. At the helm of these organizations are Theresa Rodiguez Scepanski with Community First Health Plans, Lisa Wright with Parkland Community Health Choice, Victoria Maura of Parkland Health Plan and Carol Smallwood with El Paso Health. Their leadership is not only a testament to the mission and vision of their organizations, but also a commitment to leadership that holds an unwavering reflection of their local communities.
Together, these leaders are collectively advancing access to healthcare through strategic partnerships, significant community reinvestment, and dedicated service to Medicaid populations. Their collaborative leadership is enhancing operational performance and investing millions back into the communities they serve.
Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski, a native San Antonian with over 30 years of dedicated service, began her career at University Health in 1995 and steadily rose through the ranks through her commitment to community wellness, operational efficiency, and compassionate care. Known for her empathetic leadership style, Theresa has driven innovative initiatives—including the installation of fifty food pantries, culturally resonant community art projects, and scholarship programs aimed at empowering individuals and families through funding for higher education and career training.
“Growing up on the south side of San Antonio and experiencing firsthand the challenges many families face, I have always been driven to give back to the community that raised me,” said Theresa. “It is a privilege to lead Community First and to work alongside other outstanding female leaders who are equally dedicated to transforming healthcare for the underserved.”
Key highlights of Theresa’s tenure include:
- Transformative Leadership: Advancing Community First’s strategic vision by expanding access to preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management.
- Community Investment: Increasing sponsorship and reinvestment in local initiatives—from food pantries to culturally significant projects—ensuring measurable impact in community wellness.
- Empowering the Next Generation: Launching scholarship programs designed to uplift individuals and families, fostering a culture of opportunity and growth.
Theresa’s appointment and the collaborative leadership across these four managed care organizations underscore a growing trend in Texas healthcare—where women are leading with resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to community. Their collective success serves as a blueprint for other organizations to celebrate and promote the transformative power of homegrown leadership.
For more information on Community First Health Plans and its community initiatives, please contact:
Katye Brought
Community First Health Plans
Phone: (210) 790-6013
Email: KatyeComm@gmail.com
About Community First Health Plans:
Community First Health Plans is dedicated to improving health outcomes and reducing disparities for diverse, historically underserved populations. Through innovative partnerships and community-driven initiatives, Community First continues to be a leader in providing quality healthcare solutions in the Texas region.