Black By God: People Moving the Mountains Spotlight Profile: Craig Glover

By Traci Phillips | Black By God: The West Virginian

The Black Appalachian Leader Transforming Rural Health Care in America

Named one of 2025’s Most Influential FQHC Leaders, Glover is improving access and fairness in health care for rural families.

Craig Glover is the President and CEO of FamilyCare Health Centers, a major health organization in West Virginia that provides affordable care to people who might not otherwise get it. FamilyCare offers many services—like medical checkups, dental care, behavioral health, OB-GYN, pediatrics, vision, pharmacy, and telehealth—at locations in Charleston, Scott Depot, and St. Albans. The goal is simple: make sure everyone, no matter their income or insurance, can get the health care they need.

In 2025, Glover was named one of the “Five Most Influential FQHC Leaders to Watch” by Global Healthcare Magazine. The article praised his “purpose-driven leadership” and his role in guiding FamilyCare as it grows. The recognition shows that the work being done in West Virginia is being noticed across the country, especially because FamilyCare’s model helps people in rural areas who often struggle to find doctors, dentists, or mental health support.

When Glover posted about the award on Facebook, he made it clear that he isn’t in this work for praise. He thanked the FamilyCare teams and said the best part of his job is “seeing lives transformed, barriers to care dismantled, and communities empowered.” His message matches what FamilyCare does every day—offering many services in one place so people don’t have to travel far or deal with confusing systems just to get help.

Glover also serves on the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services. This is a federal group that gives advice on how to improve health care in rural areas across the United States. His appointment is important because it brings the real-life experiences of West Virginians—and Black Appalachian communities—to national leaders making big decisions about funding, access, and health-care programs.

Glover’s work shows that leadership in Appalachia is diverse and powerful. Rural America is often shown as only one type of community, but Glover’s visibility challenges that idea. His leadership proves that Black West Virginians are shaping health care, influencing national policy, and helping solve major problems like provider shortages and long travel times for medical care.

For his proven impact—running a large health-care system, serving on a national advisory committee, and being recognized as a top leader in his field—Craig Glover is honored in Black By God: People Moving the Mountains. His work is improving health care in West Virginia and offering a strong example for other rural communities across the country. Through purpose, teamwork, and a commitment to fairness, he is helping transform what rural health care can look like.