Board of Councilors

Partners’ Board of Councilors was created as a high-level  “think-tank” for the organization.  

The Partners Board has charged the Board of Councilors with providing guidance in three key areas important to the agency. These include: 

  • strategic review of Partners initiatives focused on the social determinants of health (SDOH); 
  • insight as to how emerging areas may affect those initiatives; and  
  • valuable advice in identifying individuals worthy of nomination to receive Partners’ prestigious Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award. 

The group currently numbers 29 members, consisting of healthcare leadership serving nationally and throughout California. 

Each of the Councilors bring to the group enormous depths of experience, great judgement, and limitless wisdom, grounded in many years of hands-on-work each has had in shaping the future of healthcare for the United States. 

Co-Chairs

Lloyd Bookman, JD

Founding Partner
Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, PC

Lloyd Bookman has been exclusively practicing healthcare law since 1979 and represents health care providers in complex regulatory, reimbursement, and transactional matters. In 1979, Lloyd graduated and earned his J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and then in 1987, he co-founded Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, PC, where he specializes in the representation of health care providers in complex matters. Mr. Bookman has received numerous awards and honors throughout the years, which includes the prestigious Mathies Award for Health Care Leadership from Partners in Care Foundation in 2010. 

For more information on Lloyd Bookman, JD, CLICK HERE

Robert Lundy, Jr., JD

Founding Partner
Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, PC

Robert Lundy Jr. represents the health care industry in business transactions, including joint ventures, private placements, structuring of physician organizations, financings, acquisitions, mergers, and more. He received his B.A. degree from Yale University and his J.D Degree in 1975 from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, where he was the recipient of the Distinguished Advocate Award. In 1987, he co-founded Hooper, Lundy & Bookman, PC, and guided the firm to its current position as the largest law firm in the country dedicated solely to the representation of health care providers and suppliers. He was a recipient of the prestigious Mathies Award for Excellence in Healthcare Leadership by Partners in Care Foundation in 2010.

For more information on Robert Lundy Jr., JD, CLICK HERE

Members

Barry Arbuckle, PhD

President and Chief Executive Officer
MemorialCare Health System

Dr. Barry Arbuckle is President and CEO of MemorialCare Health System, a leading-for-profit integrated health care delivery system with almost $3 billion in annual revenues. Under Dr. Arbuckle’s leadership, MemorialCare has experienced unprecedented growth and is considered an industry leader in evidence-based medicine, value-based provider networks, and innovative partnerships. Dr. Arbuckle received his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina in Human Development and Family Studies in 1989. He is a strong advocate locally and nationally for healthcare reform and employers seeking high-value health benefit options to achieve greater value – high quality and patient experience at a reduced cost. In 2013, Partners honored Dr. Arbuckle with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Dr. Barry Arbuckle, CLICK HERE

Elaine Batchlor, MD, MPH

Chief Executive Officer
MLK Community Healthcare and MLK Community Hospital

Elaine Batchlor, MD, MPH, joined MLK Community Healthcare as their Chief Executive Office in 2012. Her innovative work to increase access to quality healthcare for underserved populations has been recognized nationally, earning her membership in the prestigious National Academy of Medicine. She received a Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University, and prior to joining MLK Community Hospital, Dr. Batchlor served as Chief Medical Officer of L.A. Care Health Plan. In 2019, she was honored with the Partners in Care Foundation’s Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award for her efforts to bring a high-quality hospital to South LA.

For more information on Dr. Elaine Batchlor, MPH, CLICK HERE

Kathleen Brown

Partner
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP

As a former California State treasurer with nearly two decades of experience as a senior bank executive, Kathleen Brown concentrates on business counseling, government, and regulatory affairs in connection with the health care, energy, and more. She received her J.D. from Fordham University Law School and served in senior executive positions at Goldman Sachs Inc. and Bank of America before she became a Partner at Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in 2013. Her twelve‑year tenure at Goldman Sachs was marked by helping nonprofit healthcare institutions in California and the Midwest finance their capital needs as well as negotiate the challenges of healthcare reform. Kathleen received recognition and was honored with Partners Champion for Health Award in 2006.

For more information on Kathleen Brown, CLICK HERE

Carmela Coyle

President & Chief Executive Officer
California Hospital Association

Carmela Coyle is President and CEO of the California Hospital Association (CHA). Prior to this, Coyle led the Maryland Hospital Association and played a leading role in reframing the hospital payment system in Maryland, moving to a value-based approach, and becoming a national leader in health care policy and innovation. She spent 20 years before that at the American Hospital Association leading the national association’s health policy work. Coyle earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and Spanish literature at Carleton College in Minnesota.  She completed additional course work as a fellow of the Pew Health Policy Program at the University of Michigan.

For more information on Carmela Coyle, CLICK HERE

Donald Crane

Executive Vice President of Healthcare Transformation
Babylon Health

Donald Crane serves as the President and CEO of America’s Physician Groups (APG), the nation’s leading professional association representing medical groups and independent practice associations practicing coordinated care. Under Mr. Crane’s leadership, APG has become a leading voice in federal and California advocacy. He received his J.D. from Loyola University of Los Angeles. Mr. Crane is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of America’s Physician Groups, a magazine that reports on business trends, legislation, and industry initiatives impacting coordinated care. In 2016, Mr. Crane was honored at the Partners in Care 17th Annual Tribute Dinner with the Vision and Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Donald Crane, CLICK HERE

Cástulo de la Rocha

President and Chief Executive Officer
AltaMed Health Services Corporation

As President and CEO of AltaMed Health Services Corporation, Cástulo de la Rocha is an enduring trailblazer in community health. Under his visionary leadership, AltaMed has transformed from a store front barrio clinic in East Los Angeles into the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in the nation. He is a member of the executive committee of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California and had a lot of success in providing affordable and accessible health care to Latinos and underserved populations. Mr. de la Rocha received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his law degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. He frequently lends his expertise in aligning best practices in health care, public policy, and social advocacy.

For more information on Cástulo de la Rocha, CLICK HERE

Lloyd H. Dean

Chief Executive Officer
CommonSpirit Health

Lloyd Dean is the CEO of CommonSpirit Health. His accountabilities include leading CommonSpirit Health’s hospital and clinical operations, financial strategy, and human resources for 150,000 employees across more than 1,000 care sites, including 137 hospitals. He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Dignity Health since 2000. Lloyd received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, an honorary doctorate degree in humane letters from the University of San Francisco, and an honorary doctor of science from California Polytechnic State University. In 2007, Partners honored Mr. Dean with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Lloyd Dean, CLICK HERE

Diana Dooley

Retired

Diana Dooley served as secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency and then chief of staff to Governor Jerry Brown before retiring in 2019. Previously, she was CEO of the California Children’s Hospital Association in Sacramento. She also founded a public relations and advertising agency in Visalia, worked in private law practice, and served as general counsel and vice president of Valley Children’s Hospital. She received her bachelor’s degree in social science from California State University, Fresno, and her law degree from the San Joaquin College of Law. In 2018, Partners honored Dooley with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award at its 19th Annual Tribute Dinner.

For more information on Diana Dooley, CLICK HERE

David Feinberg, MD, MBA

President and Chief Executive Officer
Cerner Corporation

David Feinberg, MD, MBA, joined Cerner Corporation as their new President and CEO in October 2021. He has served in numerous senior leadership roles during his more than 25-year career in healthcare, which includes Google, Geisinger and UCLA. Prior to joining Cerner, he was Vice President of Google Health, leading Google’s worldwide health efforts and bringing together groups that used artificial intelligence, product expertise and hardware to tackle some of healthcare’s biggest challenges. Dr. Feinberg also has his Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University, and is triple board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry, and Addiction Psychiatry. In 2012, Dr. Feinberg was honored with Partners Vision and Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Dr. David Feinberg, CLICK HERE

George Halvorson

Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Institute for InterGroup Understanding

George Halvorson is the Chair and CEO of the Institute for InterGroup Understanding. He has served for more than 30 years as CEO of six different health care delivery and financing organizations in the U.S., and he has helped start and run similar organizations in several other countries. Health care organizations served by Halvorson included Kaiser Permanente, where he was Chairman and CEO from 2002 until early 2013, and the Health Partners Health Plan and hospital system where he served for 15 years before moving to Kaiser in 2002. In 2008, Partners honored Mr. Halvorson with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on George Halvorson, CLICK HERE

Rod Hochman, MD

President and Chief Executive Officer
Providence St. Joseph Health

Rod Hochman, MD, is the president and CEO of Providence, a Catholic not-for-profit health system. Providence has served the Western U.S. for more than 165 years and together includes 120,000 caregivers who serve in 52 hospitals, more than 1,000 clinics and hundreds of programs and services in Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. Under Dr. Hochman’s leadership, Providence is transforming health care for the future through digital innovation, population health, mental health, genomics, whole person care and outreach to those who are poor and vulnerable. Dr. Hochman served as a clinical fellow in internal medicine at Harvard Medical School and Dartmouth Medical School. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology. He received his bachelor’s degree and medical degree from Boston University. In 2017, Partners honored Dr. Hochman with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Dr. Rod Hochman, CLICK HERE

Yoshi Honkawa

Consultant
Cedars-Sinai

Yoshi Honkawa is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare administration that served for many years as Vice President of Government and Industry Relations for Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, following a long and distinguished career in health care administration. Among the significant accomplishments in his career was leading the advocacy work in the 1970’s that resulted in the creation of the California Healthcare Facilities Financing Authority which has subsequently  been utilized by hospitals throughout California to secure critical financial resources to modernize their facilities.Honkawa served by appointment of President Carter to the National Council on Health Planning and Development, on which he subsequently served as chairman.  Honkawa also earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from USC in 1955 and is a former member of the Keck School of Medicine of USC Board of Councilors. In 2001, he received the Partners Vision and Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Yoshi Honkawa, CLICK HERE

Thomas Jackiewicz, MPH

President
University of Chicago Medical Center

Thomas Jackiewicz is President of the University of Chicago Medical Center. He leads the clinical enterprise, including the integration of the patient care mission of the Medical Center with the education and research missions of the University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division. Mr. Jackiewicz’s career has focused on executing ambitious and broad transformation in academic environments and engaging physician leaders to drive organizational change. Prior to the University of Chicago, he was CEO of Keck Medicine of USC and CEO of UC San Diego Health System. Mr. Jackiewicz earned his master’s degree from Columbia University and has since substantially grown, expanded, and improved academic health systems across the country.

For more information on Thomas Jackiewicz, CLICK HERE

Sachin H. Jain, MD, MBA, FACP

President and Chief Executive Officer
SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan

Sachin (pronounced SUCH-in) H. Jain, MD, MBA, FACP is President and CEO of SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan. Most recently, Dr. Jain was President and CEO of CareMore Health and Aspire Health, innovative integrated healthcare delivery companies. He led growth, diversification, expansion and innovation of these companies and they grew to serve over 180,000 patients in 32 states with $1.6B in revenues. Under his leadership, CareMore built and scaled industry-leading programs to address loneliness, deliver hospital and primary care at home, and address the clinical needs of the highest-risk, highest-need patients. Dr. Jain graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College with a BA in government and continued to earn his MD from Harvard Medical School and MBA from Harvard Business School. He trained in medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In 2022, Partners honored Dr. Jain at its 22nd Annual Tribute Dinner with the Champion for Health Award.

For more information on Dr. Sachin H. Jain, CLICK HERE

Howard A. Kahn

Chair
Physicians for a Healthy California

Howard A. Kahn is the retired CEO of LA Care Health Plan, having served in that role for over 14 years. Since “retiring” he has served as interim CEO of the MAVEN Project and Union Station Homeless Services, and as Senior Advisor at Johns Hopkins Health Care/Johns Hopkins Medicine.  He received his Master’s in Public Policy and Administration from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs and is widely recognized as an expert in government health care programs, health care disparities and the safety net.  Mr. Kahn was also the founding CEO of both the California Wellness Foundation and the Health Plan of San Mateo, and in 2011 was honored with Partners Vision and Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Howard A. Kahn, CLICK HERE

Francine Kaufman, MD

Chief Medical Officer
Senseonics

Francine R. Kaufman, MD is the Chief Medical Officer of Senseonics, Inc. Previously, she was the Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Global Regulatory, Clinical and Medical Affairs at Medtronic Diabetes from 2009-2019. She is a Distinguished Professor Emerita of Pediatrics and Communications at the Keck School of Medicine and the Annenberg School of Communications at the University of Southern California (USC).  She is an attending physician at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA), where she served as Director of the Comprehensive Childhood Diabetes Center, and head of the Center for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. She was recognized by the California State Senate for her work in banning sodas in LA Unified School District in 2004. Dr. Kaufman completed her medical degree from Chicago Medical School and completed a fellowship and residency at CHLA. In 2006, Dr. Kaufman was awarded Partners Vision and Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Dr. Francine R. Kaufman, CLICK HERE

Hyong (Ken) Kim, MD

Chief Executive Officer
Giatros Health

Hyong “Ken” Kim, MD, is the Chief Executive Officer of Giatros Health. Prior to this role, Dr. Kim served as Chief Medical Officer for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). He supervised and advised in all payment and clinical model developments and provided recommendations for quality improvements and measurements for all CMMI/CMS related payment programs. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Kim completed his medical residency at Loma Linda University and holds both a BA and MD from Indiana University.

For more information on Dr. Hyong (Ken) Kim, CLICK HERE

Robert Margolis, MD

Chief Executive Officer Emeritus
HealthCare Partners

Robert Margolis, MD, is the founder of the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy and the chair of its Advisory Board. Dr. Margolis has been the managing partner and CEO of HealthCare Partners since the formation of the company in 1992. Dr. Margolis is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. He is a graduate of Rutgers University (high honors – Henry Rutgers Scholar), and the Duke University Medical School (AOA) and served a fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. In 2015, Partners honored Dr. Margolis with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Dr. Robert Margolis, CLICK HERE

J. Mario Molina, MD

Board Chair & Co-Founder
United States of Care

J. Mario Molina, MD, is an esteemed leader in medicine and business. Currently, he serves as Board Chair and Co-Founder of United States of Care. He previously served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Molina Healthcare, a FORTUNE 500 company founded by his physician father in 1980 to provide health care to low-income individuals receiving benefits through government programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare. He earned his medical degree from the University of Southern California, did a fellowship in endocrinology at the University of California, San Diego, and a completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. In 2011, The Molina Family & Molina Family Healthcare, Inc. received Partners Champion for Health Award.

For more information on Dr. J. Mario Molina, CLICK HERE

Richard Norling

Senior Fellow
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)

Richard A. Norling, is a consultant to health care organizations and a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), where he focuses on strategic planning and development of IHI’s leadership programming. He is the former President and CEO of Premier, Inc., which received the 2006 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award under his leadership. Mr. Norling is a broadly experienced health care executive and frequent speaker on health care strategies, organizational development, quality management, and international health care studies. Mr. Norling received his MS from the University of Arizona and his MHA from the University of Minnesota. In 2009, Partners honored Mr. Norling with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Richard Norling, CLICK HERE

Thomas Priselac

President and Chief Executive Officer
Cedars-Sinai

Thomas M. Priselac has served as President and CEO of Cedars-Sinai since 1994 and was also named President and CEO of the Cedars-Sinai Health System when it was formed in 2017. He is an advocate for improving quality and access in healthcare and under his leadership, Cedars-Sinai has earned an international reputation for quality care, community service, research and education while evolving from a community hospital to a major health system that continues to expand to better serve patients. Mr. Priselac obtained a master’s in Public Health, Health Services Administration and Planning, from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2005, Mr. Priselac was awarded Partners Vision and Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Thomas Priselac, CLICK HERE

Robert K. Ross, MD

President and Chief Executive Officer
The California Endowment

Robert K. Ross, MD is President and Chief Executive Officer for The California Endowment, a private, statewide health foundation established in 1996 to address the health needs of Californians. During his tenure as President & CEO at The California Endowment, Dr. Ross has provided leadership in supporting the vision of underserved communities and grassroots leaders for a healthier California and a healthier America. Prior to his appointment in September 2000, Dr. Ross has prior experience as Director of Health and Human Services Agency in San Diego County and as Commissioner of Public Health in the City of Philadelphia. Dr. Ross received his undergraduate, Masters in Public Administration and medical degrees from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Most recently he has been invited to serve as Stanford University’s Distinguished Visiting Professor for the 2023 academic calendar. In 2023, Partners honored Dr. Ross with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information on Robert K. Ross, MD, CLICK HERE

Martha Santana-Chin

Medi-Cal President
Health Net

Martha Santana-Chin currently serves as Medi-Cal President for Health Net. She is a proven leader with over 25 years of experience in driving better outcomes for underserved communities at managed care organizations, P&L management, healthcare service operations, delivery system strategy, payer and provider relations, as well as strategic programs serving Medi-Cal, dually eligible, Medicare and low income populations. In her current role, Santana-Chin has executive oversight of the Medi-Cal line of business, serving over more than 2 million members. She works to provide access to high quality affordable care and partnering with community stakeholders to support local needs. She is also responsible for positioning the business in the market and oversees the carrying out of Health Net’s product and service area growths. Santana-Chin serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater Los Angeles, is a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee for the Integrated Healthcare Association and is a member of the Executive Diversity and Inclusion Council for Centene. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Finance from California State University, Long Beach and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Irvine.

For more information on Martha Santana-Chin, CLICK HERE

In 2024, Partners honored Santana-Chin with the Champion for Health Award.

Arthur Southam, MD, MBA, MPH

Executive Vice-President, Health Plan Operations & Chief Growth Officer
Kaiser Permanente

Arthur M. Southam, MD, is executive vice president, Health Plan Operations, and chief growth officer for Kaiser Permanente, America’s largest not-for-profit health system with over $88 billion in revenue, providing integrated health care and coverage to 12.5 million members and patients in eight states. Dr. Southam joined Kaiser Permanente in 2001 and has national responsibility for Health Plan marketing, sales, service, and administrative activities that support growth and care. Before joining Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Southam was chief executive officer of two California based health plans, Health Net and CareAmerica. Dr. Southam received his medical degree and master’s degree in public health from UCLA, and his MBA from Pepperdine University. He received his BA in neuroscience from Amherst College. In 2022, Partners honored Dr. Southam with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award at its 22nd Annual Tribute Dinner.

For more information on Dr. Arthur M. Southam, CLICK HERE

Johnese Spisso, RN, MPA

President, UCLA Health
CEO
, UCLA Hospital System
Associate Vice Chancellor, UCLA Health Sciences

Johnese Spisso was recruited to the position of President of UCLA Health, CEO of UCLA Hospital System and Associate Vice Chancellor of UCLA Health Sciences in 2016. She is a nationally recognized academic healthcare leader with 40 years of experience in health care, and oversees all aspects of UCLA’s hospitals and clinics, the Faculty Practice Group and leads the health system’s regional outreach strategy. Before joining UCLA, Spisso spent 22 years at UW Medicine in Seattle, Washington, where she was promoted from Chief Nursing Officer to Chief Operating Officer to Chief Health System Officer and Vice President of Medical Affairs for the University of Washington. Spisso received a master’s degree in health care administration and public administration from the University of San Francisco, and a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Chapman College. She earned her RN at the St. Francis School of Nursing. In 2023, Partners honored Spisso with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Johnese Spisso, RN, MPA, CLICK HERE

Gustavo Valdespino

President & Chief Executive Officer
Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Gustavo Valdespino was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer of Valley Presbyterian Hospital in September 2009. Mr. Valdespino is a seasoned leader with over 40 years of hospital management experience. Prior to joining Valley Presbyterian Hospital, he served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Tenet Health Corporation’s Southern California region. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Vincent Medical Center and as CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Orange County. Mr. Valdespino holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of New York at Stony Brook, a master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles, and completed the advanced management program at the Harvard Business School in Boston. In 2024, Partners honored Mr. Valdespino with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Gustavo Valdespino, CLICK HERE

Steve Valentine

President, Valentine Health Advisers, and Partner, Guidehouse Consulting

Steve Valentine is the President of Valentine Health Advisers, a healthcare consulting group and a Partner with Guidehouse Consulting. With more than 45 years of healthcare consulting experience, Mr. Valentine has considerable expertise in the areas of strategic planning, business transactions, mergers, hospital-physician arrangements, and governance. He is a national speaker and author on various healthcare topics.  Prior to his current role, he served as Vice-President of Advisory Consulting Services for Premier, Inc. and was responsible for the healthcare consulting services on the west coast.  He serves as Chair of the Board for both Northridge Hospital Medical Center and Orthopedic Institute for Children (a UCLA Health Affiliate).  Mr. Valentine earned his bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University and his master’s degree in public administration and certified health services administration from the University of Southern California. He also completed the Ernst & Young Management program with the Kellogg School at Northwestern University.

Chris D. Van Gorder, FACHE

President and Chief Executive Officer
Scripps Health

As president and CEO of Scripps Health since 2000, Chris D. Van Gorder, FACHE has been instrumental in positioning Scripps among the nation’s foremost health care institutions. Now he is leading the restructure of the $3.1 billion, integrated health system to align with the new landscape of health care reform. Mr. Van Gorder received his master’s degree in public administration/health services administration at the University of Southern California, and he continues to serve the public as a reserve assistant sheriff in the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, in charge of the Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue Reserves. He also is a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT) and an instructor for the American Red Cross.

For more information on Chris D. Van Gorder, FACHE, CLICK HERE

Paul S. Viviano

President and Chief Executive Officer
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Paul S. Viviano is a health care leader and a prominent national children’s health advocate, with more than three decades of experience guiding health care organizations to deliver excellence in clinical care, research and education. Mr. Viviano joined Children’s Hospital Los Angeles as President and CEO in 2015 and serves as a member of the hospital’s Board of Directors and Foundation Board of Trustees. Prior to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Mr. Viviano served as CEO of UC San Diego Health System and Associate Vice Chancellor of UC San Diego Health Sciences, institutions renowned for medical research and patient care. Mr. Viviano is a California native who earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a master’s degree in public administration-public health at the University of California, Los Angeles. In 2021, Partners honored Mr. Viviano at its 21st Annual Tribute Dinner with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Paul Viviano, CLICK HERE

James R. West

System President and Chief Executive Officer
PIH Health

James R. West is the System President and Chief Executive Officer of PIH Health, an integrated healthcare delivery system comprised of three hospitals, 27 medical offices, home health services, hospice services, a medical foundation, and an independent physician association. Mr. West joined PIH Health in 2000 as Chief Operating Officer, following 12 years of progressive leadership positions within the Kaiser Permanente system. Mr. West is a graduate of the University of Colorado, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. In 2014, Partners honored Mr. West with the Champion for Health Award.

For more information on James R. West, CLICK HERE

In Memoriam

C. Duane Dauner

Special Adviser, Former President/CEO
California Hospital Association

In 2020, we mourned the loss of our dear friend C. Duane Dauner. In addition to serving as a Founding Member of Partners’ Board of Councilors, Dauner was twice a recipient of Partners’ recognition. First, in 2004 as recipient of the organization’s Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award, and again in 2018 with the organization’s rarely given Lifetime Achievement Award. Duane helped advance our work at Partners and offered valuable advice. He was an extraordinary leader and made a tremendous impact on our organization.

Leeba Lessin

Former President 
CareMore

In 2021, we mourned the passing of our friend and colleague, Leeba Lessin. Until 2016, she was the President and CEO of CareMore Health, an integrated senior health plan and delivery organization nationally renowned for for its pioneering use of “high touch” care that improved the lives of thousands. Leeba grew CareMore’s presence from Southern California to 6 states and drove its clinical diversification.  Following her retirement from CareMore, Leeba spent significant time mentoring next generation healthcare leaders and also fostering her love for her native Whittier, CA through several restaurants she launched with friends and family. Leeba served on Partners Board of Directors, and in 2014, Partners honored her with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award for her extraordinary contributions to healthcare. She was a passionate leader who helped advance Partners.

James E. Ludlam, JD

Of Counsel
Musick, Peeler & Garrett

Jim Ludlam represented numerous hospitals, physician groups and various healthcare organizations starting in 1940. Jim received his BA Degree from Stanford University in 1936 and his JD from Harvard University in 1939. Focusing initially on California based healthcare organizations, Jim represented both as counsel and as a founder, board member or secretary of numerous associations involved in virtually all aspects of the healthcare industry. His work expanded to the national level with the American Hospital Association, the American Academy of Hospital Attorneys, and various committees of the American Bar Association having to do with Professional Liability and all aspects of Healthcare Law.

For these efforts, Jim is known as “the father of health law”. Jim was a key leader of the critical work having to do with the expansion of medical malpractice tort reform that evolved in the early 70s which has resulted in extensive improvements in patient safety. Jim was the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Mathies Award for Vision and Excellence in Healthcare Leadership by Partners in Care Foundation in 2002.

Allen Mathies, MD

Former Chief Executive Officer & President Emeritus
Huntington Hospital

Allen Mathies, MD, was former CEO & President Emeritus of Huntington Hospital, as well as Dean Emeritus of Keck School of Medicine of USC. The Mathies Award was named in honor of Mrs. Weta Mathies and Dr. Mathies’ remarkable leadership of the Visiting Nurse Association of Los Angeles (VNA-LA) and the founding Board of Partners in Care Foundation. After receiving his MD degree, cum laude, in 1961 from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Dr. Mathies completed an internship and a residency in pediatrics at LAC+USC Medical Center. In 2000, Partners honored Dr. and Mrs. Allen Mathies during the first inaugural Tribute Dinner.

For more information on Dr. Allen Mathies, CLICK HERE

Paul Torrens, MD, MPH

Professor Emeritus
UCLA Fielding School of Public Health

Dr. Paul Torrens is Professor Emeritus of Health Policy and Management and founder of the Paul Torrens Health Forum at UCLA. In his more than 40 years at the Fielding School, Dr. Torrens has patiently guided, mentored and advised generations of students, helping many shape distinguished careers in public health. A physician by training, he had a long career in both healthcare management and policy. As a healthcare executive, Dr. Torrens held numerous executive positions in hospitals and health care organizations and served on the governing boards of Blue Shield of California and PacifiCare Behavioral Health of California. Thanks to his vision and leadership, the Paul Torrens Health Forum is a premier source of discovery and conversation about the prevailing public health issues of the day. It is a fitting legacy for a man who has done so much for so many. In 2021, Partners honored Dr. Torrens at its 21st Annual Tribute Dinner with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

For more information on Dr. Paul Torrens, CLICK HERE

Robert Tranquada, MD

Professor Emeritus
University of Southern California

In 2022, we mourned the passing of Robert Tranquada, MD. Dr. Tranquada started as Assistant Professor of Medicine and Fellow in Endocrinology and Diabetes at the USC School of Medicine in 1959 working his way up to the position of Medical Director of the Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center and Associate Dean where he remained from 1969 to 1976. After leaving the school for a short time, he returned in 1986 as the Dean of Medicine at USC. Dr. Tranquada’s leadership initiated and shaped many health care organizations. Although retired, Dr. Tranquada’s leadership continues with service on many local and national health care charitable, higher education, and civic boards, and as an author of numerous medical and policy articles. Dr. Tranquada graduated from Pomona College, summa cum laude, in 1951, received his M.D. degree from Stanford University School of Medicine in 1955. In 2003, Partners honored Dr. Tranquada with the Vision & Excellence in Healthcare Leadership Award.

For more information on Dr. Robert Tranquada, CLICK HERE