Kimberly Chavalas Cripe
President & CEO
Children’s Hospital of Orange County
As the pandemic, winter viral surges and the youth mental health crisis have continued to present challenges for pediatric healthcare providers, CHOC president and CEO Kimberly Chavalas Cripe has remained focused on protecting the health and well-being of children and families – all while taking steps to advance CHOC’s mission and mark accomplishments that will positively impact children’s health for decades into the future.
Over the last 12 months under Cripe’s direction, CHOC has seen the addition of prominent new leadership, as well as several new facilities and programs that will continue to enhance the community for decades to come. Last year, the pediatric healthcare system broke ground on a nine-story, 330,000-square-foot building that will house a variety of outpatient services in a soothing and family-centered environment. The Southwest Tower is part of a visionary plan to help CHOC transform the care and experience it provides across its entire enterprise. This year will usher in newly constructed and renovated spaces, including an urgent care center set to open in the coming weeks.
Cripe’s passion for caring for the whole child has spurred a number of community health and wellness initiatives. For example, CHOC’s partnership with the Orange County Department of Education and school districts throughout the county has led to the opening of 35 (and counting) Well Spaces, facilities on school campuses where students can find respite and relaxation from the daily, often increasing pressures of modern adolescence only intensified by the pandemic.
Guided by the truth that mental health is just as important as physical health, Cripe has advocated for mental health parity, especially for underserved children and families. Under her leadership, CHOC continues to invest in a continuum of mental health care across inpatient, outpatient, intensive and emergency settings. During the last fiscal year (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023), CHOC’s Cherese Mari Laulhere Mental Health Inpatient Center, the only inpatient facility in Orange County to treat patients younger than 10, provided psychiatric care for more than 700 children ages 3 to 17. In an ongoing effort to integrate behavioral and physical health care, CHOC mental health clinicians treated more than 4,000 patients in primary care settings in 2023.
NON-PROFIT EXECUTIVE – HEALTHCARE FINALISTS
M. Isabel Becerra
President & CEO
The Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers
M. Isabel Becerra has 27 years of dedicated service to public health with a focus on marginalized communities and Community Health Centers (CHCs). As president & CEO of the Coalition of Orange County Community Health Centers (Coalition OC), she champions health equity. Joining in 2000 as director of health policy/fund development, she ascended to COO and CEO, steering programs and fostering key relationships. Becerra’s expertise proved invaluable during the COVID-19 crisis, securing testing supplies and prioritizing CHC staff for vaccines as well as orchestrating advocacy efforts in positioning CHCs as essential. Under her leadership, Coalition OC secured a landmark $50M investment, enhancing CHC capabilities in Orange County. A former MATCH Fellow, which is a program sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers, and a certified Department of Justice Immigration Representative, Becerra remains committed to personal growth.
Lorry Leigh Belhumeur
Chief Executive Officer
Western Youth Services
Dr. Lorry Leigh Belhumeur, CEO of Western Youth Services (WYS), boasts over four decades of leadership in mental health. Under her guidance, WYS secured the ACEs Aware grant, leading to groundbreaking research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Amidst the pandemic, she spearheaded the creation of the RESET Toolbox, offering vital mental health resources. Dr. Leigh Belhumeur introduced the Super Resilient™ Youth curriculum, empowering children with essential mental health tools. Actively advocating for youth mental health, she engages in dialogues with governmental decision-makers such as Congresswoman Katie Porter and Senator Scott Wiener. Her strategic approach has not only positioned WYS as a DEI-focused agency but has also contributed to its remarkable growth, with a consistent 11.5% annual increase in clients served over the last three years.
Teresa Conk
SVP & Chief Clinical Institutes Officer
Hoag Health System
Teresa Conk, nominated for the Inspirational Women’s Awards by Hoag, stands as a visionary leader in California’s healthcare sector. Holding degrees from Chapman University and USC, she brings extensive experience and innovation to her role. As senior vice president & chief clinical institutes officer at Hoag, Conk has significantly advanced the institution’s growth. Her leadership roles at UCI Health and Children’s Hospital of Orange County demonstrate her commitment to healthcare excellence. Her community involvement extends to boards such as the Orange County Business Council and the American Cancer Society – OC. Notably, she pioneered a pediatric primary care clinic at the Boys & Girls Club and expanded neonatal care at UCI. Conk’s recent accomplishments include expanding Hoag’s cancer institute and OB program, recruiting top talent and opening a digestive health center, providing cutting-edge treatment for patients suffering from various digestive disorders.
Annette Morgan
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Hope Orange County
As chief administrative officer of City of Hope Orange County, Annette Morgan leads initiatives to expand access to advanced cancer care. She played a pivotal role in opening the Lennar Foundation Cancer Center in 2022 and is now focused on establishing Orange County’s only specialty inpatient hospital for cancer care by 2025. Recently Morgan played a pivotal role in facilitating the partnership between City of Hope and CalOptima, ensuring that the approximately 800,000 individuals covered by CalOptima can access the comprehensive services City of Hope offers. Recognized as a leader in healthcare, she has been honored with distinctions such as the “40 Under 40” Executive Award by the Greater Irvine Chamber and named a Rising Star in Healthcare by Becker’s Hospital Review.
