(l to r) Gawthrop Greenwood litigator John Rafferty is congratulated by LCH Health and Community Services CEO Ronan W. Gannon on Rafferty’s election to Chair of the Board of Directors of LCH Health and Community Services.
Gawthrop Greenwood litigator John Rafferty has been elected Chair of LCH Health and Community Services, an organization that offers bilingual healthcare to individuals of all backgrounds at three federally qualified health centers in southern Chester County communities.
“Given the recent closures of Brandywine and Jennersville hospitals, LCH has a unique ability to provide its medical, dental, social, legal and behavioral health services to new and more diverse populations than ever before. As the Board Chair in 2023, I look forward to supporting the growth and expertise of this phenomenal organization,” Rafferty said. “I’m excited to support the professionals who provide best-in-class health services to an ever-expanding patient population. In addition to the immigrant population LCH was founded to serve, the organization’s providers now offer routine services to all individuals, regardless of financial status, across its campuses in Kennett Square, Oxford and West Grove.”
Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Ronan W. Gannon, LCH Health and Community Services recently received four Community Health Quality Recognition awards and was once again recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home in 2022. In 2023, LCH will celebrate its 50th year of service to southern Chester County and nearby communities.
“From the time we welcomed John to our board in 2018, continuing Gawthrop Greenwood’s legacy of service to our organization, we have been impressed by his dedication to ensuring a healthy community for all,” Gannon said. “Our nation and our local communities are at a turning point for inclusive health services, and John’s leadership will be a valuable contribution to those efforts here at LCH.”
As a partner within Gawthrop Greenwood’s Litigation Department, Rafferty represents individuals, businesses and nonprofits in civil litigation. He also provides experienced legal representation in Chester County Orphans’ Court for disputes and litigation involving guardianships, powers of attorney, wills, estates and trusts. Rafferty was recently invited to join a committee that improved the local rules of civil procedure for Chester County Orphans’ Court, and, when the need arises, is tapped by the Orphans’ Court to represent individuals who may require guardians to assist in their future decision-making. While serving as a litigation partner, Rafferty regularly sits as an arbitrator for the Chester County Court of Common Pleas and is available to mediate cases through the Chester County Bar Association.
Rafferty began his career, following law school, in Ecuador on a Fulbright Fellowship during which he trained judges and prosecutors about issues related to human trafficking and volunteered his time serving survivors of trafficking. Upon his return from Ecuador, Rafferty represented immigrant victims of labor exploitation in Philadelphia, before serving as an Assistant District Attorney in Chester County.
