Chief External Affairs Officer & Executive Director, Chiricahua Health Foundation

Joined Chiricahua Community Health Centers in 2022

Why I Believe in the Mission of Chiricahua

At Chiricahua Community Health Centers, the mission of Health for All is not just spoken. It is lived every day. I am inspired by our commitment to ensuring that high quality, compassionate health care is accessible wherever people live, learn, or work. At Chiricahua, we do not just talk about health equity. We deliver it.

Professional Background

Dennis Walto MA , is a nationally and internationally recognized nonprofit executive and global health leader with more than 30 years of senior leadership experience. His expertise includes global health, organizational development, strategic planning, fundraising, communications, and public policy.

Over the course of his career, Dennis has lived and worked in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including Ethiopia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Beyond his current work in the U.S. and Mexico borderlands, he has supported health and social development initiatives in more than 40 U.S. states and over 20 countries worldwide.

Dennis has built a broad international network of nonprofit leaders, advocates, donors, policymakers, and decision makers committed to improving health outcomes and advancing social justice.

Dennis Walto’s Leadership Role at Chiricahua

Since joining Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc. in 2022, Dennis has served as Chief External Affairs Officer, leading organizational fundraising, marketing, communications, community engagement, and public policy efforts.

In addition, Dennis is the Executive Director of the Chiricahua Health Foundation, where he is responsible for building and sustaining philanthropic support to advance Chiricahua’s long-term mission as a Federally Qualified Health Center serving rural and underserved communities across the region.

Prior Executive Experience

Prior to joining Chiricahua, Dennis held senior leadership roles with several globally respected nonprofit organizations, including Save the Children, Population Services International, and International Medical Corps.

He also served for six years as Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Health Fund and previously held key leadership roles with Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless and the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

Dennis Walto’s Academic and Thought Leadership

Dennis Walto MA holds a Master of Arts degree from York St. John University in the United Kingdom, where his thesis focused on Positive Organizational Development.

He is an active thought leader in nonprofit leadership, health equity, and organizational change. Dennis has contributed commentary to The Huffington Post, The Hill, and Modern Healthcare, and he regularly publishes insights on LinkedIn and other professional platforms.

 

Leadership, and Community Impact at Chiricahua

As Chief External Affairs Officer, Dennis Walto plays a central role in advancing Chiricahua’s mission to deliver comprehensive, community‑based health care across rural and underserved regions. Dennis Walto’s leadership at Chiricahua is grounded in the belief that access to quality health services is essential to strong families, healthier communities, and long‑term regional stability.

Through strategic fundraising, public policy engagement, and organizational storytelling, Dennis Walto helps elevate Chiricahua’s role as a trusted Federally Qualified Health Center serving patients across diverse geographic and economic circumstances. His work supports Chiricahua’s continued expansion of medical, dental, behavioral health, and preventive services that respond directly to community needs.

As Executive Director of the Chiricahua Health Foundation, Dennis Walto focuses on building philanthropic partnerships that strengthen long‑term sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence. These efforts help ensure Chiricahua can invest in workforce development, enhanced services, and future growth that benefits patients and families throughout the region.

Dennis Walto’s leadership at Chiricahua emphasizes collaboration with community partners, public agencies, and national health organizations to improve access, coordination, and outcomes across the communities Chiricahua serves. “Viva Chiricahua”

 

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Chiricahua Health Foundation