(PHOENIX–Nov. 21, 2024) Retired orthopedic surgeon Craig Stevenson, M.D. has joined the Board of Directors of Advance Community (Advance). Inspired by the organization’s mission and objectives both locally and internationally, Dr. Stevenson will bring his track record of success in health plan leadership and operations to help the organization have a greater impact on the communities it serves.

Over the past 10 years Dr. Stevenson has participated in 16 surgical missions to Central and South America through the sponsorship of Advance Community.

Dr. Stevenson worked for Kaiser Permanente Medical Group for twenty-seven years, where he held various leadership positions in the orthopedic department in San Diego. He developed programs focused on enhancing patients’ surgical care and tracking their treatment outcomes.

Dr. Stevenson earned his medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine and received his orthopedic training in the Navy at the San Diego Naval Hospital.

“Craig is a committed surgeon who has played a key role in our surgical missions for more than 10 years,” said Jeri Royce, CEO of Advance Community. “His personal experience and belief in our mission will make him a great addition to the Board, using his valuable voice to advance our mission of fostering stronger, healthier communities.”

A Phoenix-based nonprofit organization that builds optimal health in under-resourced communities, Advance works to resolve some of the most important issues impacting the people of Arizona and across the globe including access to medical care, nutrition, community development and health education.

For more information about Advance Community or supporting the nonprofit’s mission, visit https://advancecommunity.org/.

About Advance Community

Advance Community has been dedicated to transforming lives since its inception in 1970. Formerly known as Esperança, Advance works within under-resourced communities across the globe, providing health education, food security, disease prevention, access to clean water, ecological home-building, and life-altering surgeries in Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, Mozambique, and Peru. Advance strengthens under-resourced Latino communities across Maricopa County through programs such as oral health, chronic disease prevention/management, nutrition education and healthy meal delivery. With the vision of health equity for everyone and the goal of improving the future of healthcare, the Phoenix-based nonprofit is dedicated to advancing communities to help under-resourced children, adults and seniors live sustainable and fulfilling lives. More information about Advance is available at https://advancecommunity.org/.