Hometown Health Centers Names Christine Smoot Lowers CEO
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 -- Hometown Health Centers (HHC) today announced that Christine Smoot Lowers has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Smoot Lowers succeeds Joe Gambino, who announced his retirement in January of 2025 after 17 years of leadership.
Smoot Lowers brings more than 25 years of executive experience in community-based healthcare, including leadership roles across federally qualified health centers and large healthcare systems. She joins HHC from Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, where she served as deputy executive director and chief operations and business strategy officer. During her tenure, she oversaw operations across multiple sites, including patient access, practice management, human resources, revenue cycle optimization, facilities, and strategic growth initiatives. She also served as co-interim CEO, partnering with the board to ensure mission alignment and organizational performance.
“When Joe announced his retirement, we knew that we had big shoes to fill,” said HHC Board Chair Evan Brooksby. “The process to find his successor took over a year and was a truly national search. After interviewing Christine, we were excited to see how her vision and experience aligned with the board of directors’ vision for the future of Hometown Health. We are confident that our community will benefit from her passion and expertise.”
“I am honored to join Hometown Health Centers and build on a foundation rooted in access, trust, and community-centered care,” said Smoot Lowers. “Hometown’s strong commitment to accessibility, quality, and equity aligns closely with my values. I am especially drawn to Hometown’s integrated model of care, which brings together medical, dental and behavioral health services to treat the whole person. I believe healthcare must be available to all, particularly those who are underserved.”
Smoot Lowers, who has also held senior roles at Montefiore Medical Center, United Cerebral Palsy of New York, Community Healthcare Network, and Bronx Care Health Systems, said her approach will be collaborative and community-centered, grounded in listening and partnership.
“Effective healthcare begins with listening,” she noted. “I do not believe in assuming we know what a community needs. Instead, I plan to engage with patients, staff, and community partners to understand lived experiences and build meaningful solutions together.”
Her top priorities for the year ahead include reducing barriers to care and expanding coordinated services, supporting and retaining staff through professional development and a culture of inclusion, strengthening community partnerships, and ensuring organizational sustainability through strategic planning and data-informed decision-making.
“Patients and community partners can expect accessible, equitable, and community-driven care,” added Smoot Lowers. “Hometown will continue to be a trusted organization that listens first and acts collaboratively to improve health outcomes across the region.”
Smoot Lowers holds a master of science in health services administration from Iona University, and a bachelor of arts in sociology from Stony Brook University. She serves on the board of directors for Reality House Outpatient Addiction Treatment Services and is a former clinical board member of the Rockland Community Pride Center.
For more information about Hometown Health Centers, visit HometownHealthCenters.org.
About Hometown Health Centers
With locations at 1044 State Street in Schenectady and 67 Division Street in Amsterdam, Hometown Health Centers is nationally recognized for providing high-quality, cost-effective primary health care to all in need, with particular concern for low-income residents. As the primary care provider of choice for nearly 20,000 patients, the health center offers primary and preventive healthcare to children and families, behavioral health and lab services, as well as comprehensive dental care. For more information, visit HometownHealthCenters.org.