News

January 31, 2023By Physicians for a Healthy California General

Physicians for a Healthy California (PHC), one of California’s leading advocates for improved community health, announced today that Emmie Johnson has been named the organization’s Chief Strategy Officer. 

Johnson will be responsible for implementing PHC’s strategic plan, executing growth opportunities, and developing strategic alliances to further PHC’s mission of improving community health, developing a diverse physician pipeline, and promoting health equity and justice.

“Emmie brings a wealth of experience working on advocacy and education campaigns across California for the past two decades,” said PHC President and CEO Lupe Alonzo-Diaz. “As we strive to meet California’s evolving health care needs, her experience navigating complex policy issues and engaging a wide range of stakeholders will be a valuable asset.”

Prior to joining PHC, Johnson was the Founder and Principal of EMJ Public Affairs, where she recently worked on statewide ballot initiative and legislative campaigns as well as campaigns for Attorney General Rob Bonta and State Senator Angelique Ashby’s campaigns. She also was the deputy campaign manager for Yes on Prop 56 in 2016, which funded increased health care access for low-income residents covered Medi-Cal through a tax increase on cigarettes and tobacco products.

“The pandemic and the ongoing physician shortage have made clear how far we have to go in improving our health care system and the well-being of California’s communities,” Johnson said. “I’m excited for this opportunity to advance PHC’s mission to ensure that all Californians have access to affordable, quality care.”