Staff

Lupe Alonzo-Diaz

Lupe Alonzo-Diaz, MPAPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Lupe Alonzo-Diaz serves as the President and CEO of PHC. Lupe is a dynamic, strategic leader transforming health systems and expanding access to quality care. During her tenure, Ms. Alonzo-Diaz has revitalized PHC’s commitment to community health and health equity by launching PHC’s $665+ million grant-making portfolio: CalMedForce, CalHealthCares, and various COVID-19-related programs. Ms. Alonzo-Diaz is also the Vice President of Continuing Medical Education for the California Medical Association where she authored the nation’s first regulatory standards on cultural competency in continuing medical education. Read More

Lupe Alonzo-Diaz, MPAPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Lupe Alonzo-Diaz serves as the President and CEO of Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC). Lupe is a dynamic, strategic leader transforming health systems and expanding access to quality care. During her tenure, Ms. Alonzo-Diaz has revitalized PHC’s commitment to community health and health equity by launching PHC’s $665+ million grant-making portfolio: CalMedForce, CalHealthCares, and various COVID-19-related programs. 

Under her direction, CalMedForce has partnered with the University of California to award $200 million to more than 300 GME programs to train more than 750 resident physicians in underserved areas; and with California’s Department of Health Care Services to award more than $256 million in loan repayments to more than 1,000 physicians and dentists serving California’s Medi-Cal patients through the CalHealthCares program. In partnership with the California Department of Public Health, Ms. Alonzo-Diaz has led efforts to invest more than $126 million to health care providers to improve equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and therapeutics.

Ms. Alonzo-Diaz is also the Vice President of Continuing Medical Education for the California Medical Association where she authored the nation’s first regulatory standards on cultural competency in continuing medical education.

Ms. Alonzo-Diaz is a member of the Board of Directors for National Alliance of Mental Illness California, the leading organization of individuals working to provide help, hope, and health for those affected by serious mental illness. She is also the appointed Chair of the California Department of Health Care Access and Information’s Hospital Supplier Diversity Commission. She is also a frequent presenter on health care workforce issues throughout the state.

Prior to joining PHC, she was the Deputy Director of Administration for the Department of State Hospitals, the nation’s largest inpatient psychiatric facility, where she oversaw the daily operations of five state hospitals with a $1.4 billion budget and over 11,000 employees and 11,000 patients annually. Before this, she served in various leadership roles at the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), including as Acting Chief Deputy Director and Acting Deputy Director of Administration. At OSHPD, she also led the state’s efforts on health workforce development overseeing various programs and grants increasing access to care in underserved areas as its Deputy Director of Healthcare Workforce Development. Lupe initially came to state government as a gubernatorial appointee for the Health Professions Education Foundation as its Executive Director where she led the state’s grantmaking and investment opportunities for healthcare providers. 

Prior to public service, she held various leadership positions with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, Western Center for Law and Poverty, Children’s Advocacy Institute and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund. 

Ms. Alonzo-Diaz earned a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkeley. She is pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the University of California at Berkeley.

She lives in Elk Grove with her husband, two boys, her mother, her sons’ dog, and her mother’s bird. She serves as the President of the Parent Teacher Association and member of the School Site Council at her son’s elementary school.

Emmie Johnson

Emmie Johnson, MPPChief Strategy Officer

Emmie Johnson is the Chief Strategy Officer for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), where she is responsible for implementing PHC's strategic plan, identifying and executing growth opportunities, and developing strategic alliances that promote health equity, community health, and diversity in California's physician workforce. Read More

Emmie Johnson, MPPChief Strategy Officer

Emmie Johnson is the Chief Strategy Officer for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), where she is responsible for implementing PHC's strategic plan, identifying and executing growth opportunities, and developing strategic alliances that promote health equity, community health, and diversity in California's physician workforce.

Prior to joining PHC, Ms. Johnson owned her own public affairs consultancy, EMJ Public Affairs, where she partnered with clients to identify and execute on strategic opportunities to advance their business, policy, and political goals. She managed advocacy and communications campaigns around legislation, having worked on issues relating to the state budget, Denti-Cal coverage, prior authorization, gas tax, single-payer health care, cap and trade, land use, bail reform, and other hot button issues.

In 2022, Ms. Johnson served on the campaign for No on the Medical Lawsuit Initiative which ended when a landmark deal was struck between proponents and opponents and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. She also has worked on campaigns on behalf of Governor Newsom, Attorneys General Rob Bonta and Xavier Becerra, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, State Senator Angelique Ashby, the San Francisco 49ers, Yes on Prop 27 (online sports betting), No on Prop 21 and No on Prop 10 (2020 and 2018, respectively, rent control), Yes on Prop 13 (school bond, 2020), and Yes on Prop E (San Francisco flavored tobacco ban, 2018), for which she won the Silver Award for Best Use of Data Analytics/Machine Learning from the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC). Prior to that, she was the deputy campaign manager for Yes on Prop 56 (tobacco tax) in 2016 where she oversaw coalition development, media relations and social media, for which she won the Gold Award for Best Use of Social Media by AAPC. In 2014, she served as the social media director for No on Prop 46 (medical malpractice).

Prior to founding EMJ Public Affairs, Ms. Johnson was Vice President/Director of Public Affairs and Digital Strategy in the Sacramento office of global public affairs firm APCO Worldwide, where she oversaw management of clients' owned, earned and paid online media and ensured that work was aligned with offline communication activities. She also managed a national grassroots issue advocacy campaign with more than 200,000 active advocates.

Ms. Johnson began her career at Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) in Washington, DC, most recently as Director of Alliances, Affordability and Access.

In 2015, Ms. Johnson was named "40 Under 40" by the AAPC. She holds a master's degree in health and regulatory policy from Georgetown's McCourt School of Public Policy and a bachelor's degree in political science and the administration of justice from Rutgers College at Rutgers University.

Ms. Johnson lives in Roseville with her husband, college- and high-school aged sons, and two dogs. She serves as the President of her son's high school basketball booster program.

 

Brian K. Aguilar

Brian K. Aguilar, EdDChief Operating Officer

Brian K. Aguilar is the Chief Operating Officer for PHC where he is responsible for strengthening operational alignment to the strategic plan, developing and executing internal risk management strategies, and increasing the organization's financial standing through strategic and thoughtful execution of existing and new programs, forecasting and tracking expenditures, and maximizing program performance. Read More

Brian K. Aguilar, EdDChief Operating Officer

Brian K. Aguilar is the Chief Operating Officer for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC) where he is responsible for strengthening operational alignment to the strategic plan, developing and executing internal risk management strategies, and increasing the organization's financial standing through strategic and thoughtful execution of existing and new programs, forecasting and tracking expenditures, and maximizing program performance.

In his role, Brian is also responsible for overseeing PHC's budget as well as its two flagship programs, CalMedForce (which provides funding for graduate medical education programs in California's most underserved communities) and CalHealthCares (which provides educational loan repayment for physicians and dentists dedicated to serving California's Medi-Cal population).

As a servant-fitness leader, Brian has dedicated his career to public service and opportunity through education. He has spent over 20 years in public policy and higher education administration roles in California demonstrating his commitment to improving pathways to self-determination and agency for communities of promise. Prior to joining PHC Brian served as the Director of the Executive Fellowship Program for ten years, a nationally renowned and ranked graduate fellowship in public administration. In partnership with the Executive Branch and the Office of the Governor of California, Brian successfully recruited and placed over 170 national candidates in several dozen executive offices throughout the administration in service to developing the next generation of public service leaders. He was also the Deputy Director for the Center for California Studies at Sacramento, creating the first graduate certificate program for the Capital Fellows Programs, and managing several statewide equity programs in service to the mission of the center in bridging academia and government.

Prior to that Brian served for 6 years in a number of statewide administrative roles with the State Treasurer's Office, in the areas of college and family savings, state transportation finance, debt advisement, and health and education conduit bond finance. Brian began his career in youth development as the Education Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento, transitioning to college preparation roles with the Upward Bound Programs of UC Davis and Stanford University. At the Haas Center for Public Service at Stanford, he began teaching coursework for undergrads similarly committed to making a difference in education, a passion Brian continues to this day.

Brian is an American Leadership Fellow of the Mountain Valley Chapter, a recent board member of California Humanities, a board member of the California Capital Airshow, and a founding associate editor of CSUGlobal, an interdisciplinary international scholarship journal of the California State University system. Brian earned his bachelor's degree from Occidental College, his master of arts in multicultural education from Sacramento State, and a doctorate in education administration and leadership from UC Davis. When he isn't taking in a baseball game or exchanging jazz mixes with his nephew, he is spending time with his partner planning their next overseas trip.

Lance R. Lewis

Lance R. LewisChief Financial Officer

Lance R. Lewis is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for PHC. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial planning, accounting and financial reporting of PHC working in concert with the President and CEO. Mr. Lewis also the Chief Operating Officer of the California Medical Association (CMA) where he is responsible for the administrative and operational support centers of the organization, including the departments of Governance, Finance and Administration, Human Resources, Information Technology and Facilities Management. He is also the CFO of CMA and its Affiliates, which comprise more than a dozen non-profit and for-profit companies with $112 million in assets under management. Read More

Liberty Bautista

Liberty BautistaCalMedForce Program Coordinator

Liberty Bautista is the Program Coordinator for CalMedForce, the graduate medical education program for PHC. She provides administrative and operational support to the CalMedForce program and coordinates logistics for CalMedForce board, Advisory Council, and other stakeholder meetings. She is also responsible for drafting documentation and prepares materials for meetings. Read More

Liberty Bautista CalMedForce Program Coordinator

Liberty Bautista is the Program Coordinator for CalMedForce, the graduate medical education program for PHC. She provides administrative and operational support to the CalMedForce program and coordinates logistics for CalMedForce board, Advisory Council, and other stakeholder meetings. She is also responsible for drafting documentation and prepares materials for meetings.

Prior to her role at PHC, she completed her certification in Phlebotomy and worked as a phlebotomist throughout the Sacramento region. Additionally, she has over 5 years of administrative experience. She is currently in school pursing her nursing degree to become a sports nurse.

When she is not working, Liberty enjoys spending her free time with her daughter and puppy. She enjoys traveling, training Muay Thai (Thai boxing), recording podcast and dancing.

Victoria Catanio

Victoria CatanioCalMedForce Program Director

Victoria Catanio is the Program Director for CalMedForce, the graduate medical education program for PHC. Prior to her role at PHC, she served as an analyst for various institutions, including Stanford University, the University of the Pacific, and the California Department of Managed Health Care. Victoria has a Bachelor’s in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Redlands and a Master’s in Public Policy from McGeorge School of Law.

Maiya De La Rosa

Maiya De La RosaSenior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives

Maiya De La Rosa is a Senior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives for PHC. She is responsible for developing funding opportunities to further PHC’s mission including project management, research, materials development, and providing overall operational support for projects. Read More

Maiya De La RosaSenior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives

Maiya De La Rosa is a Senior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC). She is responsible for developing funding opportunities to further PHC’s mission including project management, research, materials development, and providing overall operational support for projects.

Most recently, Maiya was an organizer for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte where she collaborated with stakeholders, local elected, city officials, and community partners in her region to expand and protect access to quality, affordable health care and continue the fight for reproductive justice. Her work included developing a “first of its kind” local sound ordinance in the State of California that would prevent the use of amplified sounds within one hundred feet of health centers to stop harassment of patients trying to seek care in the city of Sacramento.

Prior to this, she was a staff writer at the Capitol Morning Report where she provided concise, concrete information about events relevant to California politics, collaborated with legislative staff to keep up with any changes to Members’ offices, and summarized state reports and candidate and committee filings.

Maiya received her master’s in public administration from the University of Southern California and Bachelor of Arts in political science and Chicanx studies from the University of California, Davis. Outside of work you can find Maiya trying new coffee shops in the area, showing off her dog Tiny to anyone who will pay attention, and organizing with her friends for the California Young Democrats, where she serves on the board as the North State Regional Director.

Richard Gomes

Richard GomesCalHealthCares Program Analyst

Richard Gomes is a Program Analyst for CalHealthCares, the loan repayment program for PHC. He assists with monitoring awardees, creating program materials, process improvement and conducting data analyses. Prior to his role at PHC, Richard has spent the last 20 years working in the Dental and Health Insurance industry. During this time, he has done work on claims processing, quality assurance, customer interactions and speech / text analytics. In his home life he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. He is also an avid reader and movie buff.

Kaitlin Holden

Kaitlin HoldenCalMedForce Program Analyst

Kaitlin Holden is a Program Analyst for CalMedForce, the graduate medical education program for PHC. She provides analytical support to the program by conducting research, performing data analyses, creating visualizations, and monitoring awardees. She also helps develop the program by reporting on its successes and proposing process improvements. Read More

Kaitlin HoldenCalMedForce Program Analyst

Kaitlin Holden is a Program Analyst for CalMedForce, the graduate medical education program for PHC. She provides analytical support to the program by conducting research, performing data analyses, creating visualizations, and monitoring awardees. She also helps develop the program by reporting on its successes and proposing process improvements.

Prior to her role at PHC, Kaitlin earned a bachelor's and master's degree in political science from Utah State University. During her master's program, she focused on researching bipartisan collaboration within women's caucuses and enjoyed coordinating an international exchange program. While attending school, Kaitlin’s skill in program analysis led her to help a refugee resettlement agency expand its clients' access to medical services. She also worked to help a Utah state legislator gain support for bills and a federal agency improve communications with Congress. Kaitlin’s work is driven by the desire to positively impact California communities and her Central Valley hometown.

Outside of work, Kaitlin finds solace in nature, especially the redwood forests, and enjoys reading, playing sports, trying new foods, and practicing photography.

Mary Jordan

Mary JordanSenior Executive Assistant

Mary Jordan is the Senior Executive Assistant for PHC, supporting its core business functions and its CEO. In her role, Mary is responsible for the overall management of the CEO’s schedule, meetings and workflow. She also serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the CEO. Read More

Mary JordanSenior Executive Assistant

Mary Jordan is the Senior Executive Assistant for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), supporting its core business functions and its Chief Executive Officer. In her role, Mary is responsible for the overall management of the CEO’s schedule, meetings and workflow. She also serves as the primary point of contact for internal and external constituencies on all matters pertaining to the CEO.

Mary joined PHC with a wealth of experience supporting C-Suite Executives and other principals within nonprofit and private sectors. Prior to PHC, she was a program assistant for California Coverage and Health Initiatives where she provided support to the CEO and management team by preparing meeting materials, planning and executing annual events and managed public facing medias for the organization. Mary has also served as an event specialist for JMH Events for three years. She also was administrative coordinator for California Primary Care Association where she assisted with the organization’s sponsorship program and provided administrative support to department directors.  

Mary received her bachelor of criminal justice administration from the University of Phoenix. In her free time, Mary enjoys her family game nights, camping, summertime parties with her family and friends and giving back to her community. 

David Kert

David KertCalMedForce Program Analyst

David Kert is a Program Analyst for CalMedForce, the graduate medical education Program for PHC. He is responsible for grant application data management and analysis, research and development of the grant application, drafting policies, and social media management. Prior to his role at PHC, he was an administrative analyst for CalMHSA and George Hills Company. He analyzed contracts, insurance certificates, and grants, and drafted various policies. David has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada-Reno, and has won the Capital One Mascot Challenge. David enjoys gardening, making costumes for events, and loves to travel.

Thomas Knezovich

Thomas KnezovichCalHealthCares Program Analyst

Thomas Knezovich is a Program Analyst for CalHealthCares, the loan repayment program for PHC. He aids in the evaluation and monitoring of awardees, conducting analysis, and providing program support. Prior to his role at PHC, Thomas worked with the Public Health Institute as an analyst working to support contact tracing and vaccine outreach efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Thomas has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo and a Master’s in Business Administration from San Jose State University. In his free time, he enjoys cooking and occasionally working on fireworks shows.

Megan Lee

Megan LeeExecutive Assistant

Megan Lee is the Executive Assistant to the COO for PHC. Before she joined PHC, Megan served as a regional assistant for multiple large retailers, gathering over five years of experience supporting high level executives. With a knack for operational excellence and a passion for supporting programs, she ensures smooth sailing for PHC. Read More

Megan LeeExecutive Assistant

Megan Lee is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), as well as PHC overall. Before she joined PHC, Megan served as a regional assistant for multiple large retailers, gathering over five years of experience supporting high level executives. With a knack for operational excellence and a passion for supporting programs, she ensures smooth sailing for PHC.  

Megan received her Associates of Science in Business Management from Chabot College in Hayward, CA. When she's not optimizing workflows, you'll find Megan unleashing her creativity through crafting, working on stained glass or cherishing precious moments with her family and dog. She’s a major foodie and is always on the hunt for a new place to eat.  

Sandra Lin

Sandra LinCalHealthCares Program Coordinator

Sandra Lin is a Program Coordinator for CalHealthCares, the loan repayment program for PHC. She provides administrative and operational support to the CalHealthCares program and coordinates logistics for its board, advisory council, and other stakeholder meetings. Read More

Sandra LinCalHealthCares Program Coordinator

Sandra Lin is a Program Coordinator for CalHealthCares, the loan repayment program for PHC. She provides administrative and operational support to the CalHealthCares program and coordinates logistics for its board, advisory council, and other stakeholder meetings.

Prior to joining PHC, Sandra mentored college students across the country and managed a Campus Representative Program. Sandra relocated to California from Texas in 2015 to obtain a bachelor degree in cognitive science from University of California, Davis and has since fallen in love with the Greater Sacramento area.

Outside of work you can find Sandra hiking a new trail with her partner and dog Elphie, playing board games, cooking a Taiwanese meal or reading a good fantasy book on her Kindle.

Kevin Mandrup

Kevin MandrupSenior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives

Kevin Mandrup is a Senior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives for PHC. He is responsible for supporting development of funding opportunities for strategic initiatives that further PHC’s mission including project management, research, data analytics and visualization, materials development, and providing operational support for projects. Read More

Kevin MandrupSenior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives

Kevin Mandrup is a Senior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC). He is responsible for supporting development of funding opportunities for strategic initiatives that further PHC’s mission including project management, research, data analytics and visualization, materials development, and providing operational support for projects. 

Most recently, Kevin served as a program analyst for PHC’s Test to Treat Equity Grant team. During his tenure, he helped guide to completion the $67 million California Department of Public Health-funded program that supported safety-net providers to operationalize access to clinically appropriate COVID-19 therapeutics.  

Prior to joining PHC, Kevin worked as a server and bartender in a variety of settings. Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from California State University, Sacramento after completing associate degrees in accounting, business administration, economics, and mathematics. He is working towards becoming a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt practitioner in process improvement. An Eagle Scout, Kevin loves sports and the outdoors. In his free time, you can find him snowboarding with his partner, gardening, or watching his favorite Los Angeles sports teams.

Erica Miller

Erica MillerCalHealthCares Program Director

Erica Miller is the Program Director for CalHealthCares, the loan repayment program for PHC. Erica came to PHC with over 9 years of nonprofit experience at organizations such as the California State PTA, the Council of State Governments, and the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. Drawing from these roles, she brings both leadership and grant management experience to her current position. Erica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Emory University. She is passionate about education and community building which led her to volunteer as the treasurer for the neighborhood school PTA.

Nicole Pierce

Nicole PierceCalHealthCares Program Analyst

Nicole Pierce is a Program Analyst for CalHealthCares, the loan repayment program, for PHC. She assists with processing forms, communication with prospective applicants, and scheduling. She has over 11 years of experience doing administrative work in both the public and private sectors. Outside of work, Nicole loves video games and spending time with her two spoiled cats.

Robin Simpson

Robin SimpsonSenior Director of Operations

Robin Simpson is the Senior Director of Operations, providing operational support for PHC programs. Robin comes to PHC with over 14 years of nonprofit and leadership experience. She previously worked at Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services as Director of Volunteer Services and Community Engagement. She enjoys leading teams through organizational growth and change. Robin holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations and Spanish from UC Davis and a Master’s in Public Administration from McGeorge School of Law. When she’s not working, Robin is outside exploring nature with her hubby, two kids, and two dogs.

Sid Snyder

Sid SnyderExecutive Assistant

Sidney (Sid) Snyder serves as an Executive Assistant for PHC, supporting its core business functions and its Chief Strategy Officer.  In her role, Sid is responsible for maximizing operational efficiencies within the  Strategic Initiatives team. As the team’s primary project manager, she streamlines workflows for PHC’s high profile projects, coordinates complex schedules, and fosters relationships with key stakeholders at all levels.  Read More

Sidney SnyderExecutive Assistant

Sidney (Sid) Snyder serves as an Executive Assistant for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), supporting its core business functions and its Chief Strategy Officer.  

In her role, Sid is responsible for maximizing operational efficiencies within the  Strategic Initiatives team. As the team’s primary project manager, she streamlines workflows for PHC’s high profile projects, coordinates complex schedules, and fosters relationships with key stakeholders at all levels.  

Sid joined PHC with a wealth of experience supporting C-Suite Executives and other principals within government, including serving three years with the Iowa Department of Human Services’ Chief Information Officer and IT department. She was also a Legislative Clerk with the Iowa House of Representatives.  

A native of Iowa, Sid relocated to California in April 2020. In her free time, she embraces the beauty of the West Coast by adventuring with her partner, doting on her 10-year-old French English bulldog, and indulging in all things true crime-related. 

Nahira Stanackzai

Nahira StanackzaiCalHealthCares Program Analyst

Nahira Stanackzai is Program Analyst for CalHealthCares, the Loan Repayment Program (LRP) for PHC. Her responsibilities include monitoring awardees, streamlining processes, and carrying out data analyses. Before joining PHC, Nahira conducted survey and interview based research projects on emerging technology trends within state and local government. She collaborated closely with clients from Fortune 100 companies in order to provide valuable deliverables while managing project lifecycles. Nahira obtained her B.A. degrees in Cultural Anthropology and International Relations from the University of California, Davis. Outside of work, Nahira loves to spend time cooking with her husband, going on walks in nature, reading, and re-exploring the world through the eyes of her two toddlers.