Organization: National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives
Award: Leadership Award Nomination
Winner: Dr. Raul Zambrano, Chief Medical Officer, Racine Kenosha Northern Illinois
Dr. Raul Zambrano is a truly remarkable Latino leader who demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the success of today’s diverse youth and the health and well-being of our communities. As the chief medical officer of the Racine, Kenosha and Northern Illinois market, he works tirelessly to build the medical strategy of the Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha while also serving Aurora patients. Dr. Zambrano also serves as the interim chief medical officer for Kenosha Community Health Center, a free clinic for the Kenosha community.
Dr. Zambrano is very passionate about the Kenosha community and the future success of Kenosha-area youth. Growing up in The Bronx, Dr. Zambrano’s dream was to become a doctor and he uses this same resilience to support the dreams of high school students. Dr. Zambrano recently developed a talent pipeline program in collaboration with the Kenosha Unified School District. In this program, Dr. Zambrano created a day-long career exploration experience for diverse young men interested in health care. This provided the students with an in-depth look at the day-to-day operations of health care with tours of the hospital and a robust panel discussion involving physicians and clinical and administrative caregivers.
His dedication does not end there, Dr. Zambrano teaches science, technology, engineering, and math courses once a month each semester at three Kenosha-area high schools. He also actively participates in Aurora’s administrative fellows and internship programs. These programs aim to offer hands-on experience for diverse undergraduate and graduate-level students who are pursuing healthcare careers. He works closely with the intern and fellow at the Aurora Medical Center Kenosha to ensure that they are on target to accomplish their tasks and that they are receiving the support that they need from the organization as a whole.
Dr. Zambrano is a shining example of what it means to extend your expertise beyond your practice. He is acutely aware of the challenges that are facing our diverse youth and is constantly searching for ways that we can offer a positive and lasting impact on their future success. Dr. Zambrano is a leader who channels his passion by extending opportunities and experiences to our future leaders of tomorrow and for that, he is truly deserving of the NALHE Leadership Award.
Organization: National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives
Award: Career Achievement Award Nomination
Winner: Fernando O. Rivera, MBA, FACHE, Director of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Fernando O. Rivera, MBA, FACHE, as the new Director of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS), effective January 11, 2015. Mr. Rivera will oversee the delivery of health care to more than 66,000 enrolled Veterans in 23 parishes of Southeast Louisiana.
Mr. Rivera is also responsible for the opening of a $1 billion replacement VA Medical Center in New Orleans that will serve as a model for the healthcare of the future and set the standards for patient-centered care, flexibility and sustainability. The state-of-the-art facility will authentically reflect the culture of the region and be the cornerstone for the emerging biosciences industry in Louisiana. It includes a 200-bed tertiary care regional referral center that is projected to serve 70,000 enrolled Veterans and is designed to meet the full array of VA missions: health care to America’s Veterans, medical education, medical research and national emergency preparedness & response.
SLVHCS employs approximately 1,300 employees and provides primary and mental health care at all sites and specialty care at selected sites including eight community-based outpatient clinics in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Slidell, Hammond, Bogalusa, Franklin, Houma, and St. John Parish. SLVHCS is affiliated with Tulane and LSU medical schools and is designated as one of nine VA Emerging Centers of Innovation for patient-centered care. SLVHCS is a recognized leader in several unique clinical programs and nationally recognized programs, including Home Based Primary Care, Hospital at Home, Health Care for the Homeless, and the Community Resource and Referral Center, which is the first in the country to integrate federal, city and private sector resources to serve both homeless Veterans and non-Veterans. SLVHCS was also recognized by the National Alliance for Ending Homelessness for being a leader in ending Veteran homelessness.
“We are excited to bring Mr. Rivera on board as the new director of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. His sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the facility, the employees, volunteers and, most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve,” said Gregg Parker, MD, MHA, Acting Director for the South Central VA Health Care Network.
Prior to his appointment as SLVHCS Director, Mr. Rivera was Director of the VA Capitol Health Care Network (VISN 5) in the national capital region. He has also served as the Medical Center Director at the Washington, D.C. VA Medical Center, Martinsburg VA Medical Center (W.Va.), and Acting Director at Overton Brooks VA Medical Center in Shreveport, La. From 1984 to 2004, he served in various positions at the VA Medical Center in New Orleans, including Associate Director.
Mr. Rivera earned his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a master’s in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. He is committed to community service on many levels. He is an honorary member of the Vietnam Memorial Wall Washing Crew and has received the Military Order of the Purple Heart Distinguished Service Award, the Marine Corps League Distinguished Service Award, and the AMVETS Leadership in Service Award. He also served as Assistant Scout Master in Troop 1444 of the National Capital Region Council of the Boy Scouts of America.