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  • Retirement of CCHP CEO Sharron Mackey

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    Colleagues,

    We are writing to let you know that Sharron Mackey, the CEO of Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP) the past eight years, will be retiring at the end of March.


    Sharron has been passionate about CCHP members’ health and access to quality care. During her time as CEO, Sharron guided CCHP through a time of significant change and growth that saw more than 100,000 new members join the Health Plan. She skillfully led the county’s transition to a single-plan model and implemented an array of new benefits to improve health outcomes in our community.


    We are grateful for Sharron’s dedication and leadership. We wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life.


    While we recruit for Sharron’s permanent replacement, Dr. Irene Lo will serve as CCHP’s interim CEO.


    Dr. Lo has been CCHP’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) since August 2023 and is currently president of the Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association. As CMO, she has hands-on knowledge of the Health Plan’s operations and will help ensure continuity as CCHP prepares for a state-mandated expansion into the Medicare market. Dr. Lo is deeply committed to ensuring access to quality care and advocating for a patient-centered approach that aligns with the mission and values of the organization.


    Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lo on her new interim role!

  • Board Appoints Dr. Ori Tzvieli Interim Director of Contra Costa Health

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    On Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors appointed Dr. Ori Tzvieli as interim director of health services while the County launches a search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer and Health Director for Contra Costa Health (CCH).

    The appointment ensures continuity in the County’s health services and continued progress on key health initiatives.

    Tzvieli joined CCH as a family medicine resident at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center in 2000, launching a career in the county's healthcare delivery system that has led to several leadership roles, including Medical Staff President, Ambulatory Care Medical Director and, most recently, Public Health Director and Health Officer for the county. Dr. Tzvieli will remain the county’s Health Officer while serving as interim CEO and Health Director for CCH.

    During his time with CCH, Tzvieli has championed collaborative efforts to address opioid addiction, has helped to lead the county’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, oversaw testing, vaccination, case investigation and contact tracing, laboratory functions, nursing and clinical services, communicable disease surveillance and prevention programs, and an array of work to improve community wellness, from senior nutrition programs to services supporting family, maternal and child health.

    He replaces longtime CCH CEO and Health Director Anna M. Roth, who retired in February.

    “Anna has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health, and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are confident in and excited about Ori’s expertise and dedication to continue the County’s mission,” said Board Chair and District 2 Supervisor Candace Andersen. “This transition marks an important moment for the County, and we are committed to supporting a seamless leadership change while continuing to prioritize the well-being of our residents.”

    The Board of Supervisors plans to conduct an open recruitment process soon to fill the position permanently.

  • Thank You for an Incredible Journey

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    Dear Contra Costa Health Team,

    As I prepare to step into the next chapter of my career, I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for each of you. Serving as your CEO and being part of this incredible organization for 32 years has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding experiences of my life. I am profoundly grateful for the dedication, passion, and resilience you bring to Contra Costa Health every day.

    Over these three decades, we have navigated remarkable transformations in healthcare—policy shifts, system reforms, and challenges we could never have predicted. But through it all, one thing has remained constant: your unwavering commitment to serving our community with excellence, compassion, and heart. It has been an honor to grow alongside you, witness your extraordinary dedication, and be part of a mission that truly changes lives.

    I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished together—from expanding access to care and strengthening our programs to pushing the boundaries of innovation in public health. These successes belong to you, and I have no doubt that you will continue building on them, making an even greater impact in the years ahead.

    While I am excited for my new journey with Tahoe Forest Health System, leaving this extraordinary organization is bittersweet. Please know that I will always carry with me the lessons, friendships, and shared purpose we have built here. Contra Costa Health is in the hands of some of the most talented and dedicated professionals I have ever known, and I have every confidence that you will continue moving this organization forward with excellence and heart.

    Thank you for your hard work, your passion, and—most of all—for allowing me to be a part of this incredible team.

    With immense gratitude and admiration,
    Anna

  • Thank You Anna

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    Following a distinguished 32-year career of service, Contra Costa Health Chief Executive Officer and Health Director Anna M. Roth has announced her intention to retire from the county.

    A steadfast champion for health and addressing the needs of underserved communities, Ms. Roth will serve as president and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) beginning in March.

    Ms. Roth began working for Merithew Hospital in Martinez, now Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC), as a registered nurse in 1993, assuming greater responsibilities until she was named CCRMC Chief Executive Officer in 2009. Her success operating CCRMC and its 11 community clinics led to her appointment in 2018 as county health director.

    “Anna Roth has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health (CCH), and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are thrilled to see her take on this exciting opportunity,” said Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Chair Candace Andersen, who represents District 2. “Her tireless commitment to improving healthcare for Contra Costa’s residents, especially our most vulnerable populations, has made a lasting impact. Tahoe Forest Health System is fortunate to gain such an exceptional leader.”

    As the county’s health director, Ms. Roth managed a staff of more than 4,400. During her tenure at CCH, she oversaw the growth of a $3 billion integrated health system serving more than 1 million residents. Under her guidance, the County expanded safety-net services, strengthened behavioral and physical health integration, and launched innovative programs to address homelessness, environmental health, and emergency medical services.

    “I’ve worked with Anna Roth for 25 years and have seen her commitment to improving access to quality medical care for our County’s most vulnerable residents and her passion for closing the health equity gap that has impacted our African American and Latino residents,” said District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, who chairs the Health Services Joint Conference Committee. “She introduced landmark new programs to meet the evolving needs of our most health-challenged community members, resulting in improved health outcomes. Because of her dedication and talents, our county has been recognized nationally for the many innovative and lifesaving programs that were pioneered under her leadership.”

    Ms. Roth was instrumental in leading CCRMC to achieve high-quality standards while maintaining a strong focus on equity and access. CCH implemented its electronic health record on her watch and expanded access to healthcare to thousands of county residents through the Affordable Care Act. She also led Contra Costa County’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the U.S. among similar-sized counties.

    “I loved my time with Contra Costa Health. I am excited about my next chapter, but I am going to miss working with so many amazing people, caring for the health of our community,” Ms. Roth said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Contra Costa County and honored to continue my service with Tahoe Forest Health District.”

    The Board of Supervisors will discuss the next steps for leadership of CCH at its next meeting.

  • Service Excellence Awards

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    October-December 2024

    Recognizing Contra Costa Health staff for going the extra mile. To nominate a CCH employee for a Service Excellence award, please visit the nomination page on our website.




    Katrine Agsunod, RN
    Kayla Gepulle, RN
    Elisonguo Lyimo, RN
    Shiela Mallare, RN
    Elleni Wondimagegnehu, RN
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For being excellent, professional nurses, taking great care of me, spending extra time with me and having epic bedside manners.
    -Nominated by a Client


    Debra Allen
    Community Health Worker Specialist
    Public Health

    For going above and beyond to assist an unhoused client who was supposed to be receiving benefits from another center. For assertively communicating with the center to get him the benefits he was owed and an address for him to receive them. For researching Section 8 housing, securing a home for him and helping him navigate the rules and learn the skills required to be a successful resident for over one year.
    -Anonymous Nomination


    Alfredo Bague
    Institutional Service Worker-Generalist
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For having the best attitude and work ethic no matter what you ask of him. For always completing a job to perfection and in a timely manner. For all he does for the 4C/4D staff, we are grateful to have him on our team.
    -Nominated by DeAnn Bologna


    Juliana Bitar
    Administrative Services Assistant III
    Personnel

    For always going above and beyond to assist our team at Safety Services. For helping us reach our goals and gather information. For her positive attitude, flexibility and graciousness when it comes to teaching or explaining anything to our team.
    -Nominated by Camille DeRivera Salonga


    Stephanie Bodisco
    Care Coordinator
    Health, Housing and Homeless Services

    For consistently going above and beyond for every client, showing unwavering passion and care in everything she does. For her dedication that truly sets her apart.
    -Nominated by Kyanna Matthews


    Janice Browne
    Mental Health Clinical Specialist
    Behavioral Health

    For being an honorable care manager for older adults, performing over and above her expectations to support the linkage of care to her clients suffering from mental health symptoms. For improving the lives of many of those she has remained consistent with just by her presence and persistence in care.
    -Nominated by Shennen Pugh


    Marcela Cardenas
    Clerk-Senior Level
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For going the extra mile with kindness and patience to assist a coworker with their questions and concerns. For going above and beyond the call to provide the highest level of support possible to the families of patients she works with. For being dependable and hard-working.
    -Nominated by Sandra Nunez


    Fern Carroll
    Contracts and Grants Specialist II
    Finance

    For her outstanding contributions to Contra Costa Health’s Information Technology Division. For consistently going above and beyond in her role as a Contracts and Grants Specialist by working tirelessly to support the preparation of contract documents, ensuring accuracy and compliance, and bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience that has been invaluable to the success of our projects. For demonstrating true teamwork by always being available to assist, no matter the complexity of the situation. For showing dedication, professionalism and being a pleasure to work with.
    -Nominated by Carina Tuen


    John Conduracki
    Timekeeping Supervisor
    Personnel

    For going above and beyond in our Payroll Department. For being friendly and knowledgeable with resources for the department, always with kindness, patience and willingness to jump in and assist with difficult issues ensuring they are resolved promptly. For being a great role model.
    -Nominated by Kelly Prado


    William Cooper
    Mental Health Clinical Specialist
    Behavioral Health

    For his collaboration with Alcohol and Other Drugs Services (AODS), ensuring that our most vulnerable clients with co-occurring disorders get the support, care, and services that they deserve. For, working tirelessly and collaboratively with Discovery House staff on behalf of a client. For providing inclusive and cohesive treatment, communicating quickly and effectively with staff to ensure that the client’s needs were met..
    -Nominated by Fatima Matal Sol


    Eskinder Daba, RN
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For always going the extra mile for his patients and providing high quality, patient-centered service with respect and responsiveness. For inspiring his team to work with compassion and sympathy to the vulnerable population we serve and for being available to assist everyone in and out of the unit.
    -Nominated by Fikir Melese


    Irene De Rivera, PHN
    Public Health

    For always being helpful and ready to lend support whenever needed.
    -Nominated by Brenda Moore-Hanson


    Carrie Del Bonta
    Clerical Supervisor
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For consistently demonstrating exceptional support to all staff members by being resourceful and lending a hand when the department is in need. For actively resolving challenging issues in a timely manner, making her a valuable and reliable asset to the department.
    -Nominated by Silvia Zapien-Barajas


    Alejandra Escobedo-Sochet
    Mental Health Family Services Coordinator
    Behavioral Health

    For always going above and beyond to serve the families she’s connected with. For being a strong advocate for the families she serves and being knowledgeable about the mental health system of care.
    -Anonymous Nomination


    Christian Garcia
    Therapist Aid
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Center

    For being a wonderful addition to the Martinez Detention Facility Medical Unit. For always being willing to help whether we have difficulty troubleshooting the printer, need help moving patient equipment or assisting with group activities for the patients. For being an excellent colleague, team player and hard worker.
    -Nominated by Maria Skalett


    Sheila Gomez
    Community Health Worker
    Public Health

    For being an incredibly knowledgeable and talented team member. For her invaluable expertise, always willing to share her insights and resources to help coworkers succeed. For one of her greatest strengths - the ability to offer timely and relevant solutions, especially in challenging situations. For always being willing to assist, whether it’s about free baby clothes, furniture or food, with a “happy to be of help” attitude.
    -Nominated by Dhama Balan


    Consuella Kester
    Mental Health Clinical Specialist
    Behavioral Health

    For going above and beyond in serving clients at the board and cares.
    Anonymous Nomination


    April Loveland
    Mental Health Specialist II
    Behavioral Health

    For being a reliable team lead for the Office for Peer & Family Empowerment and coordinating the Social Inclusion Committee for our office. For collaborating with our community partners to bring together our peers to learn something new, and have fun and positive social interactions in the different cities of our county. For assisting in writing policies that will improve our Community Support Workers professional future. For being amazing!
    -Nominated by Alejandra Escobedo-Sochet


    Bryan Narcisse
    Specialist II
    Environmental Health

    For going above and beyond to foster a supportive environment for restaurant owners as they navigate the plan review process and prepare to open their business. For helping them through scary moments, managing what needs to be done and supporting them in a timely manner. For being willing to provide information that alleviates client concerns and underscores our crucial role in their success.
    -Nominated by Roberto Rodriguez


    Nadia Navarro
    Medical Social Worker II
    Public Health

    For being a blessing during one of the darkest times in my life, when everything seemed uncertain, providing support and resources that made a huge difference. For her consistent check-ins and monthly guidance as my case manager through the Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program, helping me stay accountable as I navigated the challenges of being justice-impacted. For treating me with kindness, compassion and respect, addressing both my personal and professional needs. For her words of encouragement giving me the strength and optimism to move forward in life, feeling ready to face my new reality with hope for a better future. For everything she and ECM have done, I share my heartfelt gratitude.
    -Nominated by a Client


    Okechukwu Nwadigo
    Medical Social Worker II
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For consistently going above and beyond as a social worker for our hospitalized patients, especially to ensure them safe discharges. For always being kind, positive, helpful and efficient and for never showing the strain and frustration this work can be.
    -Nominated by Inanna Carter


    Tamara Praus, RN
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For being so helpful and attentive to a patient and her family’s needs while she was in labor. For explaining each procedure in detail before performing any task. For connecting with the client and family during such a life changing event making a huge impact on their experience. For her compassion and three days of care, we appreciate her.
    -Nominated by a Client’s Sister


    Sherry Ramos Resurreccion
    Homeless Services Specialist
    Public Health

    For always being an advocate for our clients, going above and beyond in helping them with housing needs as well as anything else she can assist with and for having a wealth of knowledge to share with our clients. For being an asset to our Enhanced Care Management team.
    -Nominated by Vanessa Lam


    Lorena Salcedo-Alvarado
    Medical Staff Coordinator
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For being an amazing team member of the Residency Program. For always being hard working and taking pride in her work. For managing giving extra time to ensure resident scheduling was taken care of while she was on jury duty for a lengthy time. For being flexible, a superhuman and an honor to work with.
    -Nominated by Joann Valencia


    Lee Schugar
    Information Systems Specialist
    Public Health

    For being a dedicated employee who goes above and beyond in countless ways to help troubleshoot many IT-related problems at the hospital. For recently demonstrating innovation and initiative by fabricating call light covers with a 3D printer, saving the hospital thousands of dollars. For being a valued member of our support staff.
    -Nominated by Ronny Leffel


    Lisa Thomas
    Outreach Coordinator
    Health, Housing and Homeless Services

    For being an asset to Health, Housing and Homeless Services (H3). For being a true definition of what it means to be a team player, going above and beyond to support every area within H3 from her own CORE Program to anything needed at the administration office. For constantly building relationships in the community with local businesses and law enforcement agencies to destigmatize homelessness and offer CORE services wherever needed. For being a strong advocate for the people we serve, constantly thinking outside of the box and reimagining what’s possible to deliver support and services with compassion and empathy.
    -Nominated by Kimberly O’Bryan


    Lisa Thomas
    Outreach Coordinator
    Health, Housing and Homeless Services

    For serving the unhoused population through H3/Shelter/CORE Programs for over 13 years and being an integral part of our expansion. For her unrelenting work ethic, discipline, resourcefulness and leadership in allowing H3 to expand from one CORE team in 2016 to our current number of 22 CORE teams throughout the county. For her outstanding level of dedication and for establishing a vast network of resources and partners serving the most vulnerable in our community of Contra Costa County.
    -Nominated by Fadi Elhayek


    Tommy Tighe
    Mental Health Program Chief
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For being kind to all the Medical Social Services staff and lifting our morale by giving us praise and support. For going above and beyond in all that he does and for his healing words and actions.
    -Nominated by Sue Meltzer


    Rikky Torres
    Mental Health Specialist II
    Behavioral Health

    For his kindness and support to participants in the housing program, enhancing their recovery process and their trust in our services.
    -Nominated by Alejandra Escobedo-Sochet


    Tina Vanwolbeck, PHN
    Public Health

    For being a wealth of knowledge regarding the Public Health Nurse role. For always being very supportive, advocating for her patients and assisting coworkers. For being a dedicated team player.
    -Nominated by Brenda Moore-Hanson


    Chipo Washington
    Clerk-Senior Level
    Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers

    For going above and beyond for all our patients. For ensuring that the needs of patients and providers are met.
    -Nominated by Kyaw Lin


    Daisha Williams
    Contract Employee
    Health, Housing and Homeless Services

    For always going the extra mile to assist every individual.
    -Nominated by Mariah Davis


  • Employee Milestones: October-December 2024

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    Recognizing our staff for their years of dedicated service.



    For previous months, visit the Team Recognition section of our website.

  • Announcing the Community Health & Safety Branch

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    Colleagues:

    An eventful new year lies ahead for Contra Costa Health (CCH), as we adapt to change in the healthcare landscape and within our department.

    The time is right to recommit to our long-held promise to break down silos and better align our organization with how the public understands our services – care delivery, managing healthcare, protecting our community’s health and safety.

    During months of deliberation with experts from across CCH in 2024, the leadership team discussed many ways to maximize every resource and better leverage our size and diversity, including updates to our department’s organizational chart.

    To that end, we want to share an exciting improvement rolling out in January. Five of our divisions are merging into the new Community Health & Safety Branch, headed by Dr. Ori Tzvieli.

    Most employees of the former Public Health, Emergency Medical Services, Environmental Health, Hazardous Materials, and Health, Housing & Homeless Services divisions will not notice much difference in their day-to-day jobs. They will do the same work and report to the same supervisors at the same workplaces.

    The changes lie in administration, where decision making will be more centralized and better connected to the senior leadership team. Those division directors will report to Dr. Tzvieli, and will also share common support functions, such as procurement, finance, hiring and IT, where previously they each performed independently.

    Employees who do that work for those divisions will soon begin meeting and collaborating to standardize workflows and find other ways to streamline and capitalize on this newly combined administrative structure.

    The change also allows our deputy directors to focus more on our growing portfolio of significant administrative projects, from the unprecedented expansion of our detention health services to the large-scale, planned transition now occurring within our finance and operations.

    We look forward to hearing your ideas and perspectives as we look for more ways to improve in coming months, and we will keep you updated on our progress.

    Thank you for all you do. 

    Sincerely,


    Anna M. Roth RN, MS, MPH
    Chief Executive Officer, Contra Costa Health

  • Finance Division Transition Update

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    Dear Contra Costa Health Team:

    We are making steady progress in our efforts to update and streamline the operations of our Finance group, and I am pleased to update you about several leadership additions and a new organizational structure to help maintain our momentum entering the new year.

    Brian Buchanan, interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO), is leading the work to transform Finance after the retirement of Pat Godley, who ably served for decades as both CFO and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CCH before his retirement in October.

    Brian is a managing director with Alvarez & Marsal, a global professional services firm. Brian brings more than 30 years of experience in healthcare finance to his role, having served in numerous interim executive positions in healthcare finance.

    Other members of A&M team joining CCH on an interim basis include Ceci Arriera, now serving as Deputy CFO. Ceci has more than 20 years of experience with health systems, including numerous senior financial leadership roles. They are supported by A&M’s Christopher Lawrence and Anna Matzinger, who both bring diverse experience in healthcare finance.

    We are also grateful to Pat Godley and Bud De Cesare, who continue to work with CCH as advisors to our interim team during this transition. We intend to recruit a permanent CFO during 2025.

    CCH leadership, A&M, and our staff are developing new structures and processes in Finance to provide increased transparency through timely reporting of financial and operational metrics and closer collaboration with departmental operations.

    Recent progress includes:

    • Paul Reyes has joined CCH as a Deputy CFO. Paul previously served Contra Costa as a Senior Deputy County Administrator, a post he held since 2018. He will oversee budgeting and financial planning.
    • Recruitment will soon begin to fill two additional Deputy CFO Positions who will be the finance leaders for the Care Delivery and Managed Care functions of CCH.
    • Tasha Scott has been promoted to Assistant Director in CCH Finance, where she will be responsible for overseeing contracts, grants and procurement functions. Tasha joined CCH as a high school intern and has risen through the ranks in Finance over 30 years of service with our department.
    • CCH’s Chief Digital Officer Bhumil Shah is adding the role of Chief of Finance Informatics and leading our efforts to update financial reporting tools and systems.

    Recruitment is also underway for a director of capital projects and facilities. The coming year will be eventful and transformative for Finance, and for all of CCH. We will communicate regularly with staff as the work progresses.

    Sincerely,

    Anna M. Roth RN, MS, MPH
    Chief Executive Officer, Contra Costa Health