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OAKLAND, Calif., Feb. 3, 2026 — Jim Wood, a dentist and former chair of the California State Assembly Health Committee, has been elected to the California Health Care Foundation board of directors, the foundation announced today.
Wood brings to CHCF a unique combination of clinical experience and deep legislative expertise. During his decade in the California State Assembly, he became one of the state’s most influential voices on health care policy, championing legislation to improve access to care, lower costs for families, and strengthen the workforce in rural and underserved communities.
“Jim’s deep experience as a policymaker and provider is matched only by his dedication to the people of California,” said Elizabeth Gibboney, chair of the CHCF board of directors. “We especially value the perspective he brings to the specific health challenges facing rural communities. His understanding of the unique barriers to care in these regions will be vital as the board guides CHCF’s efforts to build a health system that serves every corner of the state.”
“Jim has long been a thoughtful partner in the effort to make care more affordable and accessible,” said Sandra R. Hernández, the foundation’s president and CEO. “He brings a balanced, pragmatic approach to policy that is grounded in the reality of what patients and providers experience every day. His values are aligned with CHCF’s mission, and we look forward to drawing on his expertise to drive meaningful change for Californians with low incomes.”
It is an honor to work with Dr. Hernández and this accomplished board to advance the foundation’s mission. It is truly a highlight of my career.
JIM wOOD, NEWLY ELECTED chcf bOARD MEMBER
Wood represented California’s 2nd Assembly District, which includes the North Coast, from 2014 to 2024. As chair of the Assembly Health Committee for eight years, he spearheaded major initiatives to reform the health care system. He was the author of legislation that created the California Office of Health Care Affordability, an agency dedicated to analyzing cost drivers and increasing transparency in the health care market. He also was a staunch advocate for the expansion of Medi-Cal to all income-eligible Californians regardless of immigration status. Throughout his tenure as a lawmaker, he consistently pushed for increasing the efficiency of government agencies.
Before his service in the legislature, Wood practiced general dentistry for over 25 years. He served in local government as a member of the Healdsburg City Council and as the city’s mayor. Because he lived and worked in rural communities where provider shortages and geographic barriers often limit access to care, he is deeply committed to finding solutions for those challenges.
Wood earned his D.D.S. from Loma Linda University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of California, Riverside. His expertise includes working as a forensic odontologist and identifying victims of major disasters, including the Sept. 11 terror attacks and the 2018 Camp Fire.
“The foundation’s work promoting health equity is invaluable to policymakers and providers,” said Wood. “I have tremendous respect for the quality and timeliness of their research. It is an honor to work with Dr. Hernández and this accomplished board to advance the foundation’s mission. It is truly a highlight of my career.”
