Our Culture

At CenCal Health, we believe our team is one of our greatest assets – dedicated professionals who share our organization’s values both in and outside the workplace. 

Leading with compassionate service for our members, providers, and communities, our team of nearly 400 professionals is the heart of our organization. Their commitment to collaboration, integrity, and improvement in service to our communities is relentless. Whether it’s going above and beyond to ensure our members and providers receive the support they need or being out in the field doing community outreach, our team embodies the spirit of finding life’s greatest significance in the capacity to care for others.

While each of our team members fulfill a distinct role within the organization, they are all guided by the same purpose: To deliver high-quality services to improve the health and well-being of our communities.

Our team’s passion for our mission, vision, and values are lighting the way for a brighter future for all!  

Our advisory committees & boards

To support optimal health outcomes for our members while also managing funds efficiently and ensuring we meet state/federal policies and regulations, CenCal Health has structured various committees and boards that provide advice and direction regarding health plan operations. The committees and boards include a diverse representation of our community partners, network providers, Board of Directors, employees, as well as members and members’ families. 

  • The purpose of the CalAIM Santa Barbara County Community Steering Committee is to establish a consistent forum for ongoing collaboration with key community stakeholders. This collaboration includes sharing information, planning and coordinating action to advance Medi-Cal initiatives and transformations, and pursuing a shared delivery system and community health goals.

    Committee members:

    Arcenio Lopez, Dana Gamble, Gina Fischer, Joan Hartmann, Ken Triguiero, Maggie Sanchez, Mahdi Ashrafian, MaryEllen Rehse, Melissa Debacker, Mona Miyasato, Ron Werft, Scott Black, Steve Popkins, Sue Andersen, Susan Salcedo, Sylvia Barnard, Tanja Heitman, Toni Navarro

  • The purpose of the CalAIM San Luis Obispo County Community Steering Committee is to establish a consistent forum for ongoing collaboration with key community stakeholders. This collaboration includes sharing information, planning and coordinating action to advance Medi-Cal initiatives and transformations, and pursuing a shared delivery system and community health goals.

    Committee members:

    Angel Rangel, Anna Miller, Brenda Pettit, Dawn Ortiz-Legg, Devin Drake, Fernanda Lucas, James Brescia, Janna Nichols, Joel Diringer, Lawren Ramos Lisa Fraser, Nicholas Drews, Patrick Caster, Penny Borenstein, Rick Gulino, Ron Castle, Sarah Reinhart, Sophia Sosa, Star Graber, Wendy Wendt

  • The purpose of the Community Advisory Board is to ensure that CenCal Health adopts a collaborative and inclusive approach to healthcare delivery. This is done by seeking feedback, input, and guidance from representatives of our communities. The board ensures that community members' needs and concerns are considered in the decision-making process of various programs and services.

    Committee members:

    Alejandra Lind, Andrea Hill, Clayton Barbara, Carmin Garcia, Chris Burke, Dana Gamble, Denise Filotas, Diana Robles, Elia Rodriguez, Eric Buben, Eusebio Soto-Mesa, Eustolia Garcia, Gabriela Labraña, Jennifer Nitzel, Jonathan Nibbio, Jose Clemente, Karina Negrete, Maria Jaurequi-Garcia, Mary Ellen Rehse, Michelle Shoresman, Norma Alonso, Olga Mendoza De Bravo, Quynh Nguyen, Roxana McBurney, Sara Macdonald, Shon Clayton, Soledad Soto, Susan Liles, Tamika Harris, Teri Amador, Van Do-Reynoso, Yolanda Navarro, Zena Chafi-Aldwai

  • The Compliance Committee is responsible for the development and oversight of a comprehensive Compliance Program that includes approval of organizational policies and procedures. The Chief Compliance Officer serves as chairperson of the Compliance Committee. The Compliance Committee meets at least quarterly to enable oversight activities such as implementation and monitoring of corrective actions. The Compliance Committee is responsible for assisting and advising the Chief Compliance Officer in implementing, monitoring, and coordinating compliance activities that are necessary and appropriate to carry out an effective Compliance Program. Furthermore, the Compliance Committee is responsible for reviewing policies and procedures, required trainings annually, and implementation and oversight of the risk assessment and internal review process.

    Committee members:

    Adilene Lomeli, Allison Bartee, Amy Sim, Andrew Hansen, Angelita Castro, Bill Cioffi, Carlos Hernandez, Cathy Slaughter, Chris Hill, Chris Morris, Danny Maclang, Emily Fonda, Eric Buben, Gary Ashburn, Jai Raisinghani, Jamie Louwerens, Jeff Januska, Jordan Turetsky, Karen Kim, Kashina Bishop, Kimberly Wallem, Krisza Vitocruz, Lauren Geeb, Luis Somoza, Marina Owen, Melisa Gleason, Michael Harris, Puja Shah, Rita Washington, Rossy Rojas, Sandra Reyes, Seleste Bowers, Sue Fischer, Van Do-Reynoso, Yadira Casarrubias

  • The purpose of the Family Advisory Board is to provide a platform for families and caregivers of our members to offer feedback, insights, and perspectives on the services and programs offered by the health plan. By actively engaging with the Family Advisory Board, we can enhance the quality of care and services provided to our members, improve communication and collaboration with the community, and promote a patient-centered approach to healthcare delivery.

    Committee members:

    Ana Cabrera , Ana Stenersen (Chair), Ashley Smeester, Carrie McKiddie , Daisy Ramirez, Dena Davis, Dorothy Blasing, Edith Diaz, Franchesca Peterson, Gina Stabile, Jane Harpster, Jennifer Griffin, Jennifer Monge, Mariana Murillo, Natalie Angelo, Regina Samson, Tamika Harris, Tanesha Castaneda

  • The purpose of the Pediatric Clinical Advisory Committee is to solicit expert guidance and recommendations on pediatric healthcare services provided by the health plan. The committee consists of both internal and external healthcare professionals specializing in pediatrics who work collaboratively to review and assess pediatric care policies, programs, and initiatives, ensuring that they align with best practices, evidence-based guidelines, and the unique needs of our pediatric patients.

    Committee members:

    Carl Y. Owada, Cathy Slaughter, Cindy Blifeld, Emily Fonda, Gowthamy Balakumaran, Jeff Januska, Kathleen Long, Kristen Hughes, Miriam Parsa, Pauline Perez, Rea Goumas, Rhonda Gordon, Shelby Stockdale, Tami Taketani

  • The purpose of the Provider Advisory Board is to facilitate communication and collaboration between the health plan and our provider network of healthcare providers. The board serves as a platform for providers to share their perspectives, experiences, and recommendations on various aspects of the operations, policies, and programs. By engaging with the Provider Advisory Board, CenCal Health can gain valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by providers, identify opportunities for improvement, and work together to enhance the quality of care and services delivered to plan members.

    Committee members:

    Adam Butler, Amber Bermond, Amber Sabiron, Barbara Brown-Ramirez, Carlos Hernandez, Carmen Obregon, Cathy Slaughter, Chelsee Elliott, Chris Hill, Dana Goba, Dona Lopez, Emily Fonda, Jo Ann Mack, Jordan Turetsky, Kathleen Sullivan, Kieran Shah, Lauren Geeb, Luis Somoza, Mahdi Ashrafian, Marie Moya, Michael Bordofsky, Michael Collins, Nancy Vasquez, Rahul Vinchhi, Sheila Thompson, Steven Clarke, Van Do-Reynoso, Yolanda Robles 

  • The Quality Improvement and Health Equity Committee is responsible for the monitoring and enhancement of organization-wide quality improvement processes to ensure the delivery of quality customer service and access to high quality medical services. The committee assures all quality improvement and health equity activities represent the entire range of care provided, including all demographic groups, care settings, and types of service. The Quality Improvement and Health Equity Committee is also CenCal Health’s medical advisory body responsible for evaluating the Quality Improvement Health Equity Transformation Program policies and reviewing and approving all significant clinical initiatives and programs.

    Committee members:

    Bethany Blacketer, Carlos Hernandez, Cathy Slaughter, Chris Hill, Douglas Major, Edward Bentley
    Elizabeth Snyder, Emily Fonda, Eric Buben, Jeffrey Kaplan, Joseph, Freeman, Lauren Geeb, Marina Owen, Mazharullah Shaik, Michael Collins, Neil Adams, Pauline Perez, Polly Baldwin, Sara Macdonald, Sheila Hill, Sheila Thompson, Stephanie Lem, Van Do-Reynoso

  • The purpose of the CEO Advisory Committee is to provide our CEO, Marina Owen, with valuable guidance and perspectives from the staff who work closely with our members, providers, and communities. This employee-led committee plays a crucial role in setting priorities for the CEO, identifying growth opportunities and ensuring alignment with staff members. Moreover, it helps foster a culture of transparency, collaboration, and employee engagement.

    Committee members:

    Adam Butler, Allison Piligian, Gretchen Schroeder, Karina Negrete, Marina Owen, Rick Howell