Anna M. Roth, Contra Costa Health CEO and health director, is departing her role with the County to serve as president and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System. Her new role begins in March.
Roth served the County for 32 years, starting as a registered nurse at Merithew Hospital in Martinez, now Contra Costa Regional Medical Center (CCRMC). Sixteen years afterward, she was named the CEO of CCRMC.
According to her colleagues, her success operating CCRMC and its 11 community clinics led to her appointment in 2018 as county health director, where she managed a staff of over 4,400. She may be most publicly notable for leading the County’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which for the County resulted in one of the lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the U.S. among similar-sized counties.
She is also credited for leading CCH as it implemented its electronic health record, and expanding access to healthcare via the Affordable Care Act.
“During her tenure at CCH, she oversaw the growth of a $3 billion integrated health system serving more than 1 million residents,” the County said, adding, “Under her guidance, the County expanded safety-net services, strengthened behavioral and physical health integration, and launched innovative programs to address homelessness, environmental health, and emergency medical services.”
District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, who chairs the Health Services Joint Conference Committee, praised Roth’s “commitment to improving access to quality medical care for our County’s most vulnerable.”
“She introduced landmark new programs to meet the evolving needs of our most health-challenged community members, resulting in improved health outcomes,” Gioia said.
In a statement, Roth said she loved her time with CCH.
“I am excited about my next chapter, but I am going to miss working with so many amazing people, caring for the health of our community,” she said. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Contra Costa County and honored to continue my service with Tahoe Forest Health District.”
The Board of Supervisors will discuss the next steps for leadership of CCH at its next meeting.
