Meet Jen Webb, CEO Free Clinic Central Virginia

Behind the chaos of the healthcare industry is a woman who is passionate and committed to improving the lives of her community members.

Through her work as the executive director of the Free Clinic of Central Virginia, Jen Webb is working diligently to bring improved care to those to whom it does not come as easily.

Born and raised in Amherst, Webb's path started with an English degree from Virginia Tech, a foundation that set her on a diverse career trajectory.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up,” she said.

After stints in real estate and pharmaceutical sales, her life took a turn when a close friend was diagnosed with cancer.

“I realized I didn’t want to be on the sales side of medicine anymore,” she said. I wanted to make a direct impact.”

This realization led Webb to nursing school, where she discovered her love for emergency medicine.

“My first shift in the ER was wild and crazy,” she said. “I absolutely loved every second of it.”

Coming from a family of paramedics, Webb was drawn to the high-adrenaline environment of emergency care.

“It’s one of the defining lines of my life. Before I was an ER nurse and after. The ER showed me the gaps in healthcare access and the consequences of those gaps,” she said.

Webb’s career evolved as she took on roles that blended her clinical expertise with process improvement. Working in jails across Virginia honed her skills in creating efficient healthcare systems, which prepared her for her current leadership role at the Free Clinic of Central Virginia.

In 2021, Webb transitioned from being a board member to the executive director.

“What I love most about this role is seeing the impact of our work on people’s lives. Access to healthcare changes everything,” she said.

Her passion for improving dental care has become a cornerstone of her mission.

“Dental health is our next public health emergency. Walking around in pain is not something anyone should endure,” Webb said.

She is particularly proud of a new partnership with Lynchburg City Schools and Beacon of Hope that introduces high school students to careers in dentistry.

“Our internship program is incredible,” she said. “This summer, 16 rising seniors worked with us and VCU dental students. Watching these kids gain confidence and aspire to careers they never thought possible is magical.”

The challenges of running a free clinic are significant. Funding remains a critical need, particularly as the clinic grows its services in dental care and mental health.

“People think we’re rolling in money because we take Medicaid, but the reality is far from that,” Webb said. “Only 45% of our patients have Medicaid and it does not cover everything. We still rely heavily on donations to keep our doors open.”

Despite the obstacles, Webb is deeply grateful.

“This clinic has been a cornerstone of the community since 1987. It’s only here because of the incredible volunteers and donors who believe in our mission,” she said.

Webb has big plans for the clinic’s future, including expanding telehealth mental health services, hiring additional dentists, and deepening partnerships with schools to nurture the next generation of medical professionals.

“We’re so fortunate to live in a community with such potential,” Webb said.

Outside of work, she finds joy in playing tennis, kayaking, and enjoying Lynchburg’s vibrant local scene.

“I love our mountains, rivers and all the amazing restaurants and breweries. We are lucky to call this place home,” she said.

Webb’s message to the community is one of both gratitude and a call to action.

“Healthcare is a universal need. You never know when you might need help. It’s up to all of us to make sure the Free Clinic continues to provide that safety net,” she said.