In a historic and inspiring move, L.A. Care Health Plan’s Board of Governors has appointed Martha Santana-Chin as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective January 6, 2025. Santana-Chin, a trailblazer as the first female and Latina CEO in the organization’s history, brings nearly three decades of experience championing equitable healthcare access for underserved communities.
Santana-Chin, the eldest of nine and a first-generation college graduate, credits her upbringing in a Medi-Cal-supported household for shaping her mission-driven career. Her deep understanding of the challenges faced by low-income families has informed her leadership roles, most recently as Plan Chief Product President at Health Net, where she spearheaded managed care initiatives to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
“Being selected as L.A. Care’s CEO is an incredible honor,” said Santana-Chin. “I am committed to advancing equity in healthcare for Los Angeles’ most underserved communities and look forward to collaborating with stakeholders to continue building a system that delivers care with compassion, dignity, and efficiency.”
A Vision for the Future
Santana-Chin’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for L.A. Care, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan, which serves over 2.8 million low-income residents across Los Angeles County. Her extensive expertise in managed care, provider relations, value-based programs, and whole-person care will help L.A. Care address evolving healthcare demands while maintaining its focus on equitable access.
Al Ballesteros, Chair of L.A. Care’s Board of Governors, praised Santana-Chin’s “humility, empathy, and coalition-building skills,” calling her the “ideal leader to guide the organization into its next chapter.”
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of Santana-Chin’s role. “Her leadership marks a bright future for our community, ensuring that patients and providers alike benefit from a strengthened healthcare system.”
A Lasting Partnership with LACMA
For LACMA members, Santana-Chin’s leadership signals an exciting opportunity to deepen partnership with L.A. Care. Over the past three years, under outgoing CEO John Baackes’ stewardship, L.A. Care expanded its collaboration with LACMA, sponsoring over 1,100 primary care physicians serving the Medi-Cal community. These physicians now have access to LACMA and CMA's robust resources, leadership opportunities, and legislative advocacy efforts.
“Martha’s appointment is not only historic but transformative for Los Angeles healthcare,” said Gustavo Friederichsen, CEO of the Los Angeles County Medical Association. “Her deep understanding of our community’s unique challenges, combined with her dedication to empowering providers, signals a promising future for innovation and collaboration in healthcare across L.A. County.
We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to John Baackes for his visionary leadership and unwavering support of LACMA’s mission over the past decade. His commitment to expanding access to quality care and fostering strong partnerships has left an indelible mark on our medical community. We wish him the very best in his next chapter.”
As Santana-Chin prepares to lead L.A. Care into 2025, LACMA stands ready to support her vision and strengthen its partnership to serve L.A. County’s diverse and dynamic medical community.
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