Staff

Lupe Alonzo-Diaz, MPAPresident and Chief Executive Officer

Lupe Alonzo-Diaz serves as the President and CEO of Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC). She is also the Vice President of Continuing Medical Education for the California Medical Association. In her existing role, she provides leadership and direction to the overall mission and vision of the organization. Prior to her role at PHC, she was the Deputy Director of Administration for the Department of State Hospitals where she oversaw the daily operations of five state hospitals with a $1.4 billion budget and over 11,000 employees. Before this, she served in various leadership roles at the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD), including in acting capacities as the Chief Deputy Director and 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. Ms. Alonzo-Diaz initially came to state government as a gubernatorial appointee for the Health Professions Education Foundation as its Executive Director. 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. Lupe 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 lives in Elk Grove with her husband, two boys, her mother, her sons’ dog and her mother’s bird.

Brian K. AguilarChief Operating Officer

Brian K. Aguilar is the Chief Operating Officer for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC). Brian comes to the organization having spent over 20 years in public policy and higher education administration roles, including six years with the State Treasurer's Office and over ten years as the Deputy Director for the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State. Brian is a native Central Valley Californian, born in Merced and raised in Sacramento, who attributes his passion for service to his family and the many students he has supported in his career. Brian earned degrees from Occidental College, Sacramento State, and a doctorate in education from UC Davis. When he isn't taking in a baseball game or listening to jazz he is spending time planning with his partner their next trip overseas.

Emmie JohnsonChief Strategy Officer

Emmie Johnson is the Chief Strategy Officer for Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), where she is responsible for strategic initiatives, communications and policies that promote health equity, community health, and diversity in California’s physician workforce. Prior to joining PHC, Emmie was the Founder and Principal of EMJ Public Affairs where she partnered with clients to identify and execute on strategic opportunities to advance their business, policy, and political goals. 

Lance R. LewisChief Financial Officer

Lance R. Lewis is the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Physicians For A Healthy California (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 Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Lewis also the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the California Medical Association (CMA). A veteran member of the CMA staff for more than 22 years, Mr. Lewis 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 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the CMA and its Affiliates, which comprise more than a dozen non-profit and for-profit companies with $112 million in assets under management. Mr. Lewis was named CFO of the Year by the Sacramento Business Journal in 2017. Mr. Lewis earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Santa Barbara and his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. [Full Bio]

Liberty Bautista CalMedForce Program Coordinator

Liberty Bautista is the Program Coordinator for CalMedForce, the Graduate Medical Education Program (GME) 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 ChesleyCalMedForce Program Director

Victoria Chesley is the Program Director for CalMedForce, the Graduate Medical Education Program (GME) 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 RosaSenior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives

Maiya De La Rosa is a Senior Analyst, Strategic Initiatives for Physicians for a Healthy California. 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 GomesCalHealthCares Program Analyst

Richard Gomes is a Program Analyst for CalHealthCares, the Loan Repayment Program (LRP) 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.

Fernando GomezCalMedForce Program Analyst

Fernando Gomez is a Program Analyst for CalMedForce, The Graduate Medical Education Program (GME) for PHC. He is responsible for awardee monitoring, grant application analysis, and program development. Prior to his role at PHC, he was an analyst for the California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms Section where he provided technical assistance to California firearm dealers, certified instructors, law enforcement agencies, and the public. Fernando has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Sacramento State and is currently working on his Master’s in Program Evaluation and Data Analytics from Arizona State University.

Kaitlin HoldenCalMedForce Program Analyst

Bio coming soon.

Mary JordanSenior Executive Assistant

Bio coming soon.

David KertCalMedForce Program Analyst

David Kert is a Program Analyst for CalMedForce, the Graduate Medical Education Program (GME) 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 KnezovichCalHealthCares Program Analyst

Thomas Knezovich is a Program Analyst for CalHealthCares, the Loan Repayment Program (LRP) 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 LeeExecutive Assistant

Megan Lee is the Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) 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.  

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 MillerCalHealthCares Program Director

Erica Miller is the Program Director for CalHealthCares at Physicians for a Healthy California. Erica comes to Physicians for a Healthy California 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 PierceCalHealthCares Program Analyst

Nicole Pierce is a Program Analyst for CalHealthCares, the Loan Repayment Program (LRP), 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 SimpsonSenior Director of Operations

Robin Simpson is the Senior Director of Operations, providing operational support for PHC programs. Robin comes to Physicians for a Healthy California 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.

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 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.

Dasha TsakkeCalHealthCares Program Analyst

Dasha Tsakke is a Program Analyst for CalHealthCares, the Loan Repayment Program (LRP) for PHC. She assists with monitoring awardees, creating program materials, and conducting data analyses. Prior to her role at PHC, Dasha collaborated on research studies with UCLA and UC Davis. She has also assisted with program development and tracking for students with disabilities and students in research assistantships. Dasha graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree of Psychology and a Spanish minor from Sacramento State. She has an eclectic mix of interests that include outdoor recreation, wilderness first aid, poetry, creative Adobe platforms, and new languages!