The California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) has hired two outstanding individuals to fill key leadership positions for two areas of strategic focus. Maribeth Shannon, M.S., has been appointed director of the Hospitals and Nursing Home program; Veenu Aulakh, M.P.H., has been appointed senior program officer for the Chronic Disease Care program.

"With these appointments we have taken another important step toward building strong teams for the work of the Chronic Disease Care and Hospitals and Nursing Homes programs," said Mark D. Smith, M.D., M.B.A., president and CEO of CHCF. "These are two of the Foundation’s four central program areas, where we focus our efforts to have the greatest impact on ensuring that all Californians have access to affordable, quality health care."

"We are fortunate to have Maribeth join CHCF," said Dr. Smith. "Her knowledge, experience, and commitment to improving health care services will ensure that the Hospitals and Nursing Homes program makes a real difference for Californians who deserve access to a reliable, affordable, and quality system of hospital, emergency, and nursing home care."

Ms. Shannon joins CHCF from the University of California, Office of the President, where she was assistant vice president for clinical services development. She received a master of science degree in health administration from the University of Colorado and a bachelor of science degree in communications and industrial engineering from Northwestern University.

Prior to her work at the University of California, Ms. Shannon was executive director of HCP A Partnership for Health, a contracting alliance of 12 hospitals and their associated medical groups; manager of employee benefits at Mervyn’s California; and held various positions in project management and provider payment systems at Blue Cross of California.

Ms. Aulakh joins the rapidly growing Chronic Disease Care program where opportunities are being identified to support improvements in disease management through the use of information technology, the design of clinical systems, and health care financing -- all for the benefit of patients with chronic diseases, such as asthma or diabetes.

"Veenu’s background in disease management and her passion for empowering consumers to better manage their own chronic conditions will enhance our team," said Sophia Chang, M.D., M.P.H., director of CHCF’s chronic disease care program. "Her expertise will help us identify policy and financing options that promote chronic disease care in California based on the best available science and practice."

Ms. Aulakh joins CHCF from Kaiser Permanente, where she was a senior project manager in the regional health education department. She received a master of science degree in health policy and management from the Harvard School of Public Health and has a bachelor of science degree in industrial and operations engineering from the University of Michigan.

While at Kaiser Permanente, Ms. Aulakh was also a consultant in the Care Management Institute. She previously worked for CareGuide as director of strategic projects and for Abbott Laboratories as a project manager in the diagnostics division.