It is a bittersweet moment for the CHES community as we celebrate the semi-retirement of our Co-founder and Executive Director, Janet Brewer, effective April 30, 2026.
While Janet is stepping back from her day-to-day leadership role, her influence remains the bedrock of this organization. To know Janet is to know a leader driven by vision, dedication, and heart.
A Career of Impact
Janet’s contribution to CHES cannot be measured simply in years, but in the lives she has touched. As a Co-founder, she didn't just help start an organization; she cultivated a mission that prioritizes the dignity and health of every community member.
Visionary Leadership: Janet was instrumental in the creation and development of the CHES roadmap, ensuring we always stayed true to our core values.
Community Advocate: She has personally supported countless individuals through their health journeys, offering a unique blend of expertise and empathy.
Organizational Architect: Under her guidance, CHES grew from a concept into a vital community pillar.
The Road Ahead: Director Emerita
The good news is that we aren't saying a full goodbye just yet. Janet will transition into her new role as Director Emerita and Strategic Advisor.
In this capacity, she will remain available to CHES, providing:
Strategic Guidance: Ensuring our long-term goals align with our founding mission.
Mentorship: Passing on her institutional knowledge to the next generation of leaders.
Advisory Support: Offering her unique perspective on complex organizational challenges.
"Janet truly shaped the mission of CHES. We are honored that she will continue to lend her brilliance to us in this new chapter."
Please join us in thanking Janet for her years of tireless service and wishing her a joyful, well-deserved semi-retirement!
This is a significant milestone for Comprehensive Health Education Services Foundation (CHES). Transitioning an internal leader like Heather E. Case into the Executive Director role is a smart strategic move; she brings the "institutional memory" of her previous two years as Director of Advocacy and Outreach, paired with deep external expertise from the Hemophilia Federation of America and the New England Hemophilia Association.
Here is a breakdown of what this transition means for the organization and how the team is positioned for success.
The New Leadership Profile: Heather E. Case
Heather isn't just a fresh face; she is a seasoned veteran in the bleeding disorder space. Her background suggests a leader who prioritizes educational integrity and community connection.
Educational Depth: With an M.Ed and a history as VP of Education, expect CHES to lean heavily into high-quality, evidence-based patient resources.
Operational Continuity: Having already served at CHES for two+ years, she likely understands the current bottlenecks and cultural nuances, allowing her to bypass the typical "learning curve" of an outside hire.
Continuity and Stability
One of the biggest risks in leadership transitions is "talent bleed." CHES has mitigated this by retaining its core leadership stack:
Eric Lowe (COO): Provides the operational backbone and fiscal stability.
Chris Brewer (Director of Program Development): Ensures that the digital presence and program innovation remain consistent.
Joan Ward (Director of Event Management): Critical for maintaining the quality of the "Family Camp" style interactions and community gatherings CHES is known for.
Strategic Focus: The Three Pillars
By explicitly restating their commitment to their three pillars, the team is signaling to donors and patients that the mission remains unchanged despite the change in title at the top:
Women: Addressing the often-overlooked needs of female carriers and symptomatic women in the bleeding disorder community.
Inhibitor Patients: Supporting one of the most complex and high-need segments of the population.
The Ultra-Rare Community: Serving those with rare factor deficiencies who often struggle to find specialized resources.
The "Foundation" Pun: The team’s lighthearted note about "strengthening CHES Foundation’s foundation" reflects a positive, high-morale culture—a great sign for a smooth transition.