Celebrating Martha Russell Chavis

The Community Health Worker (CHW) Hub celebrates the life and legacy of Martha R. Chavis, former lead of the CHW Hub’s Engagement, Recruitment and Retention Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the Camden Area Health Education Center (Camden AHEC). Born in Philadelphia, PA, she dedicated her life to securing healthy futures for people across Camden and Philadelphia. Martha Chavis was a powerhouse in the field of community health and workforce development. As Director of the New Jersey Healthcare Worker Institute, she championed the preparation, training, and professional advancement of CHWs and other frontline health professionals. She devoted much of her career to strengthening the community health worker workforce in New Jersey, drawing from her own experience as a community health worker in Arizona.

Through her leadership at Camden AHEC, she convened healthcare leaders and organizations in strategic collaboration to better serve the Camden community. This work contributed to the creation of the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Partners, where she served on the board of trustees until her passing. Her commitment to community well-being also extended to roles such as Executive Director of Workforce & Economic Revitalization for Communities for the City of Camden and Vice President of the Union Housing Development Corporation in Philadelphia.

Martha shared her expertise as an adjunct professor of Behavioral Sciences at the Community College of Philadelphia, where she invested deeply in the success of others, offering guidance, support, and practical assistance. Her belief that service delivered with dignity creates lasting and meaningful change, earned her numerous accolades, including recognition during Women’s History Month in 2017 as a “Woman Who Impacts.” She delighted in sharing lesser-known stories of American history and African American cultural heritage, ensuring that knowledge, pride, and identity were passed on to future generations.

Martha R. Chavis leaves behind a legacy defined by leadership, excellence, compassion, and love. Her life's work will continue to be remembered and serve as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her and working alongside her.