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!

CCH’s Health Deputy Director, Lavonna Martin, highlighted the dedication of more than 680 social workers, including clinicians, medical social workers, substance use counselors, housing care managers, outreach workers, health navigators, community health workers, and public health nurses. Their compassion and commitment provide essential services that make a lasting impact.

We’re proud to stand alongside them in support of compassion and action!

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.

• Read the County's press release

Contra Costa Health (CCH) is aware of a claim by a local news agency that the state Department of Justice (DOJ) is conducting a criminal investigation of its Enhanced Care Management program. CCH has no knowledge of any such investigation occurring.

This claim was first published in December 2024, attributed to unnamed sources. CCH has received no indication from DOJ of such an investigation, and is unaware of any wrongdoing by employees past or present that would warrant investigation.

Enhanced Care Management (ECM) is an innovative approach to delivering Medi-Cal benefits to county residents who have complex and interrelated healthcare and social needs, such as homelessness, behavioral health concerns and chronic health conditions. Contra Costa’s program is one of several operating through the state Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) Cal-AIM initiative.

CCH promptly investigates all concerns raised regarding its ECM program through established, documented processes that are subject to regular review by DHCS, which regulates the quality-of-care and budgetary aspects of this program and all other Medi-Cal services administered through CCH.

Contra Costa Health Plan, the division of CCH that administers Medi-Cal benefits to Contra Costa County residents, also receives a routine annual audit from DHCS. These audits can result in findings that must be corrected to continue managing benefits on behalf of the state.

CCH is working closely with DHCS on its next annual audit findings, which is expected to be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors’ Joint Conference Committee.

CCH welcomes audits, which are tools that help us to identify areas for improvement and provide better care for our patients and clients.

• Read related statement from Candace J. Kay Andersen, Chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors

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

Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors honored the invaluable work of public communicators for Government Communicators Day on February 25. Their dedication keeps residents informed, engaged, and connected to local government.

CEI's George Barahona (second from the left in the back row) was there to represent our Contra Costa Health Communicators!

We understand that many people in our community are concerned about the potential health impacts of the Feb. 1 fire at Martinez Refining Company (MRC). Contra Costa Health (CCH) has been actively monitoring the situation, and our health officer Dr. Ori Tzvieli recently addressed key questions in a video update.

The fire burned hazardous materials, and CCH's air quality measurements showed toxic chemicals were in the air during the event.

However, readings from our Hazardous Materials team showed that most chemical levels remained below dangerous thresholds. Favorable wind conditions also helped disperse the smoke, minimizing prolonged exposure for nearby residents.

For more details, view our infographic here.

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.

We’re thrilled to share that the incredible work of CCH’s Health, Housing, and Homeless Services (H3) team was recently featured in DCHS’s PATH newsletter.

The article highlights how H3, with the support of Providing Access and Transforming Health (PATH) funding, supports people experiencing homelessness by providing vital services.

H3 shared an inspiring success story about helping a resident find stable housing after years of homelessness.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and impact of our H3 team. Thank you for making a difference in our communities every day.

Read the newsletter here.