How the Coastal Local Programming Committee Is Advancing CAHL’s Legacy Through Education, Service, and Collaboration
July 23, 2026 Coastal Local Programming Committee
By: Lacretia Pearson, MBA CIR
Co-Chair Coastal LPC
As the California Association of Healthcare Leaders (CAHL) celebrates 20 years of advancing healthcare leadership, the Coastal Local Programming Committee proudly continues that legacy by delivering high-quality educational programming, meaningful networking opportunities, and experiences that inspire collaboration among healthcare professionals across Northern California.
Our committee is committed to developing timely, relevant programs that equip leaders with practical knowledge, encourage the exchange of ideas, and foster relationships that extend well beyond each event. Through engaging educational experiences and purposeful networking, we strive to ensure CAHL remains a premier resource for healthcare leadership development while creating opportunities for members to learn, connect, and grow together.
Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Lacretia Pearson (Sutter Health) and Mateika Martin (John Muir Health), along with Vice Chair Jerome Harper (Sutter Health), the committee is supported by dedicated member leads Sergi Molchanov (Stanford University), Medeina O’Neal (Kaiser Permanente), and Yvette Torres (Grounded HR Solutions, LLC). Together, they are passionate about creating exceptional learning experiences that reflect CAHL’s mission and continue the chapter’s tradition of excellence in professional development, collaboration, and service.
Throughout the first half of 2026, the Coastal Local Programming Committee has demonstrated that meaningful leadership extends far beyond the walls of a conference room. Our vision has remained simple: to educate, connect, and inspire healthcare leaders while strengthening the communities we serve.
The year began with Leading Beyond Silos: The Power of Cross-Functional Leadership, an engaging educational program that challenged healthcare professionals to rethink collaboration across departments and disciplines. As healthcare organizations continue to navigate increasingly complex operational challenges, the discussion reinforced that exceptional patient care begins with strong relationships, communication, and teamwork among leaders.
Our commitment to community impact extended beyond educational programming through a collaborative volunteer initiative Food Insecurity as a Health Crisis: Cross-Sector Leadership for Sustainable Change with the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. Together, members from both committees joined fellow healthcare leaders in addressing food insecurity, demonstrating that healthcare leadership extends beyond our organizations and into the communities we serve. Working side by side, volunteers packed and distributed thousands of pounds of fresh produce while strengthening relationships among CAHL members through service and shared purpose.
One of the year’s most meaningful collaborations was From Legacy to Leadership: Advancing Health Equity Through Innovation, Data, and Representation, presented in partnership with the Northern California Chapter of the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE). This thought-provoking program brought together healthcare leaders from across the region to discuss health equity, innovation, representation, and our collective responsibility to build more equitable healthcare systems. The event exemplifies what is possible when organizations unite around a shared purpose creating opportunities for learning, dialogue, and meaningful change.
The Coastal Local Programming Committee has also remained focused on investing in the future of healthcare leadership. Through partnerships with universities, student engagement initiatives, career panels, and networking opportunities, we continue connecting emerging professionals with experienced healthcare leaders who are committed to mentoring, developing, and inspiring the next generation.
As we look toward the events that schedule the remainder of 2026, we are committed to delivering innovative educational programs, meaningful service opportunities, and leadership experiences that strengthen our members and the communities they serve. By working together, we will continue supporting CAHL’s mission while ensuring the chapter remains a trusted source of exceptional education, professional development, and networking for healthcare leaders.
None of this would be possible for Coastal LPC without the dedication of committee members, speakers, sponsors, community partners, CAHL members and event volunteers from the Native American Health Center Oakland who generously invest their time, expertise, and passion in advancing healthcare leadership.
As we celebrate CAHL’s 20th Anniversary, we invite members to continue shaping the future of our chapter by attending upcoming programs, volunteering with one of our initiatives, or becoming involved with one of our committees. Together, we will continue building meaningful connections, creating lasting impact, and advancing healthcare leadership for the next generation.