PHILADELPHIA-KAMPF appoints JOSÉ BENITEZ AS CEO

PHILADELPHIA, November 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Philadelphia FIGHT Board of Directors is pleased to announce that it has selected José Benitez, MSW, FCPP as our new Chief Operating Officer. Benitez will take over his duties November 4, 2024. Benitez, currently Director of Operations at FIGHT, will build on the outgoing CEO's influential work Jane Shullwho over the past 34 years has overseen FIGHT's evolution from a community-based HIV research organization and clinic to a nationally qualified, multi-site health center Philadelphia.

Benitez is the former CEO of Prevention Point Philadelphia (PPP), a public health organization that serves communities affected by substance use, employs a harm reduction model, and provides a range of services including medical care, respite care, emergency shelter, needle exchange, and medical drug treatment, HIV- and hepatitis C testing and case management and overdose prevention education. Benitez has a long history of working with underserved populations Philadelphiaincluding people who actively use drugs and people in recovery. In addition to his more than 35 years of experience in the HIV community as a provider and advocate, he is a tireless supporter of communities affected by substance use and has dedicated his career to the field of harm reduction. During his 16-year tenure, PPP grew into the largest syringe service program in North Americaoffers one of the most comprehensive inventories of mitigation services on the continent.

Benitez was the principal investigator for the following: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HIV testing and counseling grant from the City of Philadelphia Department of Health, a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) overdose prevention grant, and a Special Program of National Significance (SPNS) with Philadelphia FIGHT to develop best practices to increase access to HIV treatment in the Latino community. Benitez serves as adjunct faculty for Temple University College of Public Health and School of Social Work. His extensive “real world” knowledge provides undergraduate and graduate students insight into how public health and social work services operate for the most vulnerable communities in Philadelphia.

Benitez also served as Ryan White Part B Coordinator for City of Philadelphia The AIDS Activities Coordinating Office served as program director for the Therapeutic Center Fox Chasethe Director of the Division of HIV Social Services at North Philadelphia Health System, the HIV Program Coordinator at Hahnemann University Hospital, and held various direct social service positions at Action AIDS Inc. (now Action Wellness).

Benitez's appointment follows a nationwide search led by Bishop Ernest McNearChairman of the Board of FIGHT and Chairman of the CEO Search Committee, in collaboration with WittKieffer, a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in FQHC executive placement. Bishop McNear states, “Philadelphia FIGHT is excited about the future. On behalf of the FIGHT Board of Directors, we are deeply committed to José's leadership in this critical role and grateful for his willingness and ability to lead FIGHT in this next chapter of growth.” “We are confident that José's vision, compassion and Love for our community will continue FIGHT’s legacy by providing world-class health care and support services to all who come through our doors.”

Jane ShullThe outgoing CEO commented: “I am thrilled that José will be joining me in the role of Chief Executive Officer of Philadelphia FIGHT. In addition to his extensive accomplishments, José truly understands who we are as Philadelphia FIGHT. He shares FIGHT's fundamental commitment.” I am confident that under José's leadership, FIGHT will continue to grow and find new and innovative ways to serve the community.

Benitez's awards and honors include contributions to the Mayor's Task Force to Combat Opioid Use (2017), Top 10 Most Influential Latinos in Philadelphia (2011) and an appointment as Philadelphia Department of Health (2008). Benitez serves as a fellow for the Philadelphia College of Physicians and is also a founding board member of the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative in Philadelphia. Benitez received his master's degree in social work from Temple University and his bachelor's degree in social work from SUNY College of Brockport. Benitez notes, “I am so happy and proud to be named the new CEO of Philadelphia FIGHT. FIGHT has a long history of providing quality care to the community. It is an honor to continue the mission and grow and develop new programs.”

Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers is a comprehensive health services organization that provides primary care, consumer education, research and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS and those at high risk. For more information, see

SOURCE Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers