Audrey Joiner to Lead SCVIM as Executive Director

After five years of work organizing, opening and running Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine (SCVIM), Executive Director and Clinic Founder Paul Ringenberger is stepping down. Replacing him will be SCVIM Medical Office Manager and Nurse Practitioner Audrey Joiner.

Since doors opened on April 25, 2011, during Ringenberger’s tenure leading Brevard’s free community clinic for the uninsured, over 6,500 patient visits took place. In terms of value based on State of Florida Department of Health calculations, SCVIM has generated over $2.5 million in services to the community. All services have been provided to patients free of charge.

“We opened our doors with four health providers and today we have nearly 100 volunteer health providers,” says Ringenberger. While Ringenberger will continue to assist as a volunteer in a development capacity and serve on the Board of Directors, he believed it was time for a change and new energy and ideas were needed to grow the program. “It has definitely been a challenge, I’m glad we have helped those in need but I’m ready for a new challenge. I plan on doing some writing and getting involved in media production,” says Ringenberger.

The new Executive Director, Audrey Joiner, came to SCVIM as a volunteer in 2012. In a short period Audrey became the Medical Officer Manager. Audrey graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Master of Science in nursing administration as well as adult health.

Audrey worked as a nurse practitioner in a local cardiology practice and later for Health First Home Care. Audrey is an adjunct faculty for eBrevard at Eastern Florida State College. She also volunteers at SCVIM as the Assistant Medical Director.

Audrey is married to Stephen Joiner and they have two children, Austin and Chelsey. She is on the mission leadership team at Georgianna United Methodist church and enjoys running, triathlons, traveling and working on the family farm in Kentucky.

“Audrey is the best person to take over as executive director,” says Ringenberger. “In addition to being appointed to the board of directors, Audrey brings both an administrative and health provider background to this position. I think this combination, plus her extensive missionary works, gives Audrey the needed experience and expertise to lead a volunteer based program. Plus, everyone enjoys working with her.”

The change of leadership took place following the 4th Annual Fellowship Luncheon at the end of August. Ringenberger now concentrates on donor cultivation and securing a new building for SCVIM.

“We are in the final months of a three year lease,” Ringenberger says. “I can’t believe how quickly time has gone by. Our search for a building is based upon a simple premise: bigger, better and more centrally located. When we conducted surveys and did our original business plan the greater need was in the south portion of the county. But times have changed and newer studies show that the greatest need for a free community clinic is in the central and north portion of the county. We hope, we pray that some good soul, some Brevard philanthropist with a good heart, will hear our plea and answer the call by donating a building. And in exchange SCVIM will name that building after the donor­­ — and that legacy is something someone can truly cherish and be proud of.”

Space Coast Volunteers in Medicine welcomes volunteers at all levels and all professional capacities. To be a part of Brevard’s true community clinic call (321) 914-0915 or visit their web site at SpaceCoastVolunteersInMedicine.org
SCVIM is a registered 501(c) 3 not-for-profit that is supported by grants, donations and fundraising events. All services provided at the clinic are free of charge — no sliding scales, no administrative or registration fees.

Free is truly free.