KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A familiar face will continue guiding one of southwestern New Hampshire’s largest home-based care providers, as Home Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services has formally appointed Karen Gomes as its next President and Chief Executive Officer.

Gomes stepped into the leadership role on an interim basis in November following the retirement of longtime CEO Maura McQueeney. Her appointment became permanent May 1, after several months overseeing the organization’s operations and strategic direction.

Board Chair Susan Simonds said Gomes demonstrated strong leadership during the transition period, particularly as the agency works to maintain and expand healthcare access in a largely rural region.

Gomes brings more than two decades of experience across multiple areas of healthcare, including hospice, home health services, geriatric care and population health. Before joining the Keene-based nonprofit, she led Tufts Medicine Care at Home and also operated her own consulting firm focused on healthcare services.

In her new role, Gomes said she plans to build on the organization’s longstanding mission of helping patients remain in their homes while receiving care. She emphasized continued investment in both clinical services and community partnerships as demand for in-home care grows.

The agency, which is approaching its 120th year, provides a range of services throughout southwestern New Hampshire, including skilled nursing, hospice care and community-based support programs. Leadership says future priorities will include expanding access to care, improving patient experience and adapting to changing healthcare needs in the region.