In Memoriam: Nick Valadez

Nick Valadez was the longtime Board Chair of Chicago Family Health Center, who passed away December 2025. For more than three decades, his leadership and unwavering commitment helped shape this organization, strengthen our mission and sharpen our focus on health care issues pertinent to our communities.

Nick served CFHC with steady vision, thoughtful governance, and a deep belief that access to high-quality health care is a right, not a privilege. His strategic stewardship helped guide the organization through growth and change, strengthening our ability to serve communities across Chicago.

Nick played a key role in expanding CFHC’s footprint, supporting the launch, groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting of multiple health centers and facility renovation projects. He was also a consistent and passionate advocate for fundraising efforts, particularly through the Healing Hands Gala, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of our mission.

Beyond CFHC, Nick practiced municipal law for 35 years, serving as Village Attorney for the Village of Midlothian and the Village of Posen. He also served as a Municipal Hearing Officer for the City of Park Ridge, an Arbitrator for the Cook County Circuit Court, and spent more than 12 years on the Board of South Shore Hospital.

Nick’s commitment to justice, fair access to health care, and compassion for the communities we serve leaves a lasting legacy. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, his integrity, and the example he set. His impact endures, and so does our gratitude.