Celebrating Our Leaders
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
On August 21, we came together for the CAHL Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony in Concord, California. The evening was energizing and inspiring, filled with meaningful conversations, new connections, and a strong sense of pride in our healthcare leadership community. It was an honor to have Michele Sutton, FACHE, ACHE Chair and president/CEO of North Oaks Health System in Hammond, La., as the keynote speaker. Her insights added tremendous value and reinforced the importance of connection and learning in healthcare leadership.
It was also a pleasure to welcome Bonnie J. Panlasigui, FACHE, ACHE Governor, to the event.
Congratulations to the 2025 Regent’s Award Recipients
This year’s recipients exemplify the very best of healthcare leadership by driving innovation, building strong teams, and advancing care across our region.
DEI Leadership Award
Bryan J. Bucklew, FACHE
President and Chief Executive Officer, Hospital Council of Northern and Central California
Jeremy Hough, FACHE
Director of Ancillary and Safety Services, John Muir Health
Early Careerist Healthcare Executive Award
Bryan Rivera, RN, FACHE
Director of Neuroscience, Oncology, and Capacity Management, Sutter Eden Medical Center
Senior Careerist Healthcare Executive Award
Jita Pandya Buño, FACHE
Chief Executive Officer, University of Washington Medical Center
Amanda Chawla, FACHE
Senior Vice President, Chief Supply Chain and Post Acute Officer, Stanford Health Care
Warner Thomas, FACHE
President and Chief Executive Officer, Sutter Health
These leaders have made significant contributions across a wide range of areas, including strengthening clinical programs, guiding organizations through transformation, advancing system strategy, and developing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Recognizing their achievements was a true highlight of the evening.
I also want to extend my sincere gratitude to my Regent’s Advisory Council for their thoughtful work in nominating and selecting this year’s Regent’s Award recipients. Their insight and dedication ensured we honored leaders who truly reflect the values of ACHE.
Upcoming CAHL Congress
I encourage you to register for the CAHL Congress on October 29, 2025, in Sacramento. This full-day event will feature four panel discussions and is approved for 6 ACHE In-Person Education credits. Be sure to register early and secure your spot.
Looking Ahead
As we enter the fall season, I encourage you to invest in your own growth while also supporting the growth of those around you. Staying connected with ACHE and our local chapter, CAHL, provides many opportunities to make a difference. Whether through volunteering, pursuing the FACHE credential, or building relationships with colleagues, your engagement strengthens our healthcare leadership community. Together, we can inspire innovation, elevate the quality of care, and make a meaningful and lasting impact on the future of healthcare in our region.
Thank you for the honor of serving as your Regent. I look forward to what we will achieve together in the months ahead.
Warm regards,
Nikhil Singal, FACHE
Regent for California – Northern & Central
ns.acheregent@gmail.com