Riisa Rawlins, MSW

Riisa Rawlins serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Community Health Commission of Missouri (CHCM), leading statewide efforts to eliminate health disparities and promote equity-centered, trauma-informed care. A longtime champion for racial and social justice, Riisa brings more than 20 years of experience advancing policies and practices that support health equity across public health, health care, and community systems.

Past Work

Before stepping into the CEO role, Riisa served as CHCM’s founding Chief Operating Officer, where she led strategic initiatives to center community voice, strengthen partnerships, and ensure accountability in Missouri’s health systems. Her leadership is grounded in deep community engagement and a belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life—regardless of their race, income, or zip code.

Education and Involvement

Riisa has a BA in Political Science from Loyola University – Chicago and received a Masters in Social Work at the Brown School at WUSTL where she was a Bettie Schroth Johnson Women in Leadership scholar. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Political Science at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

Riisa is inspired by her “three only children” and loves sharing her passion for literature, sports, and the arts with them.