Who: Luis Fonseca, 42
New role: COO at Alameda Health System, a prominent safety net provider based in Oakland, Calif. The public system operates five hospitals as well as an outpatient network including rehab, behavioral-health and wellness facilities. It employs more than 4,500, including 1,100 physicians.
Background: COO of Salinas (Calif.) Valley Memorial Healthcare System for three years. He oversaw quality-improvement initiatives and Joint Commission certifications. He also has served as administrator of support services for Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek (Calif.) Medical Center, and led facilities operations at Los Angeles County & USC Healthcare Network.
Change the perspective: “Historically, safety net facilities have been viewed as providers of last resort, so the challenge is: How can we transform that perspective?” Fonseca said. Delivering quality care at every level is key to ensuring public systems remain viable, he said.
Partnering for value: Fonseca plans to help grow Alameda's partnerships with other public health providers to thrive in the pay-for-value environment. “Partnering with organizations with similar missions will provide patients with the care they need in the right location.”
