Tucson, Ariz.-based El Rio Community Health Center CFO died at the age of 62, losing the battle to pancreatic cancer, according to an Arizona Daily Star report. Celia Sarabia Hightower had served as CFO for 29 years.
Ms. Hightower joined the health center in 1987, when the organization was recovering from a bankruptcy and had a budget of less than $2 million. Initially, for a few years, Ms. Hightower also served as COO. She retired from the organization Sept. 30.
Prior to joining El Rio Community Health Center, Ms. Hightower provided care as a trauma nurse in the emergency room at Carondelet St. Joseph's Hospital in Tucson.
Inside Tucson Business named Ms. Hightower CFO of the year in 2013.
Ms. Hightower was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January 2013. She passed away Oct. 12 of this year, according to the report.