#USA #San Jose #Health Equity #Santa Clara Family Health Plan #Christine Tomcala

Christine Tomcala to Retire as CEO of Santa Clara Family Health Plan

Christine Tomcala, who has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Santa Clara Family Health Plan (SCFHP) for over a decade, has officially announced her retirement, set to take place in December of this year. With an impressive healthcare career that spans more than 45 years, Tomcala’s leadership at SCFHP has brought about significant growth and transformation, advancing the organization's mission to improve health outcomes for its members.

During her 11 years at the helm, Tomcala has been instrumental in guiding SCFHP through various strategic changes that have not only enhanced its programs but also expanded access to healthcare resources. One of her notable achievements includes the development of Medi-Cal and Medicare D-SNP products, which have established a robust operational structure focused on quality and compliance. Under her supervision, SCFHP received the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Equity Accreditation and Full Health Plan Accreditation, a testament to the organization's commitment to providing quality and equitable healthcare services.

Tomcala takes pride in her team’s efforts to elevate SCFHP's status as a visible leader and ally within the community. Under her guidance, the organization has established community resource centers aimed at assisting those in need. “I am especially proud of the work our team has done to elevate SCFHP by establishing both the Blanca Alvarado Community Resource Center and the South County CRC,” Tomcala stated, emphasizing the organization’s role in addressing health disparities in the community.

Moreover, since 2019, the SCFHP Governing Board has committed over $40 million towards initiatives designed to combat health disparities, enhancing community collaboration and supporting innovative programs that further advance health equity. These initiatives are central to SCFHP's mission of making healthcare accessible to all individuals in Santa Clara County, reflecting Tomcala's vision for the future of the organization.

Before leading SCFHP, Tomcala served as the CEO of Soundpath Health in Washington, where she managed a provider-owned Medicare Advantage health plan. Additionally, her role as Vice President of Government Programs and Member Services at HealthPlus of Michigan saw her leading Medicaid and Medicare product lines for a decade. Her remarkable track record has earned her recognition, with her previous plans consistently ranking among the top 25 Medicare plans.

Tomcala holds an MBA and a Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration/business administration from the University of Michigan. She is also certified as a managed care executive through Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

In a statement reflecting on her time with SCFHP, Tomcala expressed confidence in the organization’s future leadership and employees: “Santa Clara Family Health Plan's commitment to serving our members and advancing health equity has never been stronger. I believe our leadership team will continue to build on this foundation.”

As she prepares for her transition, the SCFHP Governing Board has unanimously appointed Chris Turner, the organization’s current Chief Operating Officer, to take on the role of interim CEO following Tomcala’s departure. With extensive operational experience and a deep understanding of SCFHP's strategic priorities, Turner is expected to seamlessly carry forward the work initiated by Tomcala.

Founded in 1997, SCFHP is a community-based health plan focused on providing equitable healthcare access to over 275,000 individuals. As Tomcala steps down, her legacy of commitment to community health and innovation will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on SCFHP and the communities it serves.

For further information, please visit www.scfhp.com.