10 Feb Contra Costa Health CEO Retires After 32 Years With County

(Contra Costa Health Services via Bay City News)

By Tony Hicks
Bay City News

After 32 years with the county, Contra Costa Health Chief Executive Officer and Health Director Anna M. Roth has announced she’s retiring.

Roth is moving on to serve as president and CEO of Tahoe Forest Health System, beginning in March.

A statement from CCH called Roth “a steadfast champion for health and addressing the needs of underserved communities.”

“Anna Roth has been a transformative leader for Contra Costa Health, and while we will deeply miss her visionary leadership, we are thrilled to see her take on this exciting opportunity,” said Contra Costa Board of Supervisors Chairperson Candace Andersen.

“Her tireless commitment to improving healthcare for Contra Costa’s residents, especially our most vulnerable populations, has made a lasting impact. Tahoe Forest Health System is fortunate to gain such an exceptional leader.”

Roth began working for Contra Costa as a registered nurse at Merithew Hospital in Martinez, now Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, in 1993. She took on greater responsibilities until she was named CCRMC chief executive officer in 2009.

Her success leading the hospital and its 11 community clinics led to her 2018 appointment as county health director, where she managed a staff of more than 4,400 and oversaw a $3 billion integrated health system that serves more than 1 million people.

CCH said under Roth’s leadership, Contra Costa expanded safety-net services, strengthened physical and behavioral health integration, and launched innovative programs addressing environmental health, homelessness and emergency medical services.

“I’ve worked with Anna Roth for 25 years and have seen her commitment to improving access to quality medical care for our county’s most vulnerable residents and her passion for closing the health equity gap that has impacted our African American and Latino residents,” said supervisor John Gioia, the chairperson of Contra Costa’s Health Services Joint Conference Committee.

“She introduced landmark new programs to meet the evolving needs of our most health challenged community members, resulting in improved health outcomes.

“Because of her dedication and talents, our county has been recognized nationally for the many innovative and life-saving programs that were pioneered under her leadership.”

CCH said Roth was instrumental in leading CCRMC to achieve high-quality standards while maintaining a strong focus on equity and access.

On her watch, CCH implemented its electronic health records and expanded healthcare access to thousands of people through the Affordable Care Act. Roth also led the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which CCH said resulted in one of the lowest mortality rates in the U.S. among similar-sized counties.

“I loved my time with Contra Costa Health,” Roth said, in the statement. “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. 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 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors will discuss replacing Roth at its next meeting.

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