October 2026 CEO Community Update
This month, I had the opportunity to attend the California Primary Care Association Annual Conference in Sacramento, where community health center leaders from across California gathered under the theme “Strong Roots. Shared Future.”
The conference featured former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and California gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra as a keynote speaker and brought together leaders committed to strengthening California’s healthcare safety net.
It highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy as we work together to ensure healthcare remains accessible and equitable for the communities we serve. These conversations are especially timely as TVHC adapts to a changing healthcare landscape while protecting access to care and investing in our future.
I would also like to recognize Dr. Sridevi Ponnala, TVHC’s Chief Integration Officer, on her reappointment to the Dental Hygiene Board of California. Her continued service reflects her commitment to advancing oral health and strengthening healthcare systems both within our organization and across the state.
We are also proud to recognize Dr. Jessica Apfel, Director of Integrated Behavioral Health, on two recent leadership appointments. Dr. Apfel has been asked to continue serving in 2027 on the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department Budget Stakeholder Committee, representing Federally Qualified Health Centers, and has also been selected by the California Primary Care Association to serve as Co-Chair of its Clinical Task Force in 2027. These appointments reflect her expertise, leadership, and commitment to advancing behavioral health services and community health at both the local and statewide levels. Together, these recognitions demonstrate the valuable perspectives TVHC’s leaders bring to decisions that shape care beyond our own organization.
Community connection remains at the heart of our mission. Recently, TVHC participated in the Annual Parish Festival at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Union City, where our teams connected with local families, assisted community members with Medi-Cal renewals, shared information about available services, and provided children’s dental screenings. Events like these allow us to meet people where they are and build trust while connecting families with the care and resources they need.
I’m also proud to celebrate an important milestone in our commitment to leadership development. This month, TVHC graduated the first cohort of our Aspiring Leaders Program, an initiative designed to invest in employee growth and prepare the next generation of leaders within our organization.
The program brought together employees from across departments to strengthen leadership skills, build connections, and support professional development. Investing in our employees strengthens our ability to navigate change and sustain our mission for years to come. Congratulations to all participants and thank you to those who helped make the program possible.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are building healthier communities and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.
If you’re interested in connecting, I’d love to hear from you — email me or find us on LinkedIn. You can also check out our past Community Newsletters.
Warm regards,
Andrea Schwab-Galindo
TVHC Chief Executive Officer