Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski

Board Chair, Arts in Play

Theresa Rodriguez Scepanski is renowned as a dynamic healthcare leader for her unwavering commitment to advancing health access and improving community wellness. As the President and Chief Executive Officer at Community First Health Plans, Inc. (Community First), Theresa continues to shape and expand healthcare services catering to diverse populations, especially those historically underserved. After serving two terms as Interim Chief Executive Officer at Community First, Theresa was appointed as the President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2020, where she drives innovative initiatives enhancing health outcomes and reducing disparities. These initiatives address Community First members’ unique needs, such as expanded access to preventive care, mental health services, and chronic disease management. Her strategic vision has created partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders, further amplifying Community First’s impact on the community. The innovative community initiatives she has led include the installation of fifty food pantries; a unique and culturally relevant mural, We Love our Southside; and the Empowering Pathways: Entrepreneurship Scholarship Program, and Empowering Pathways: Maternal Scholarship Program.

Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Known for inspiring her team and fostering a culture of transformation and innovation, she has garnered recognition within the industry, including several honors highlighting her contributions to health equity and community engagement. These honors include the 2025 Stevie Awards Woman of the Year in Healthcare and Female Executive of the Year, the Bexar County Medical Society’s 2024 Annual Women Leaders in Medicine, the San Antonio Business Journal’s 2022 Healthcare Heroes, Modern Healthcare’s 2023 Top Diversity Leaders, and the 2023 Alamo Council of Government’s Community/Nonprofit of the Year.

Theresa’s board service spans national, state, and local organizations, including her role as Chair of Arts In Play, Inc.; Chair of the State Medicaid Advisory Committee; Vice Chair of the regional Health Information Exchange; member of the Association for Community Affiliated Plans; Texas Association of Health Plans; Texas Association of Community Health Plans; Bexar County Health Collaborative; former Chair for University Health’s annual United Way Campaign; and serving as a member of Project Mend and the Board of Trustees for the San Antonio Water System. A native San Antonian, Theresa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communications from Texas State University and a Master of Arts in Human Resources Development with honors from Webster University. Theresa began her career with University Health in 1995.