Chris Van Gorder, FACHE President and Chief Executive Officer

President and CEO of Scripps Health since 2000, Chris Van Gorder, FACHE, has led the nonprofit health system through a remarkable financial and cultural turnaround, and in the process has positioned Scripps among the nation’s leading health care institutions.

In addition to his duties with Scripps, Van Gorder serves as chairman of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), an international professional society of more than 30,000 health care executives, dedicated to improving health care delivery. As chairman, he provides leadership for an established network of more than 80 ACHE chapters which provide local access to networking, education and career development. ACHE is also known for its prestigious FACHE credential, signifying board certification in health care management.

Van Gorder oversees all functions of Scripps Health, which operates five acute care hospital campuses, 19 outpatient centers, and regional home health care services. Scripps has more than 2,600 affiliated physicians and 12,700 employees.

When he was suddenly named CEO shortly after arriving at Scripps in 1999, Scripps was in trouble. It was losing $15 million a year, its medical staffs had voted no confidence in management and employee morale had hit bottom. Van Gorder responded to the crisis with a direct and steady approach.

He implemented a transparent, participatory management style and created a physician leadership cabinet, which dramatically improved physician relations and is now a model for other health systems. He streamlined business operations, built strategic alliances, enhanced internal efficiencies and improved employee satisfaction.

Having completed a $125 million turnaround, Scripps is now at the beginning of a $2 billion growth and expansion plan across the region. Its workforce is also thriving, as Scripps was named to FORTUNE magazine’s list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America in 2008 and 2009.

Van Gorder’s rise to health care executive has been unconventional. His journey began as a hospital patient, when as a police officer he was critically injured during a family dispute call. After a lengthy recovery and starting a new career in hospital security, Van Gorder continued his education in health care management and rose to levels of increased responsibility.

He continues to serve the public today as a reserve commander in the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Search & Rescue Unit and as a licensed emergency medical technician (EMT). His volunteer work was honored in 2006 with the Maltese Cross Award: Spirit of Courage by the San Diego County Fire Chiefs and again in 2007 with the MedAssets Outstanding Humanitarian Award. He was recognized again in 2008 with the inaugural Ronald H. Kendrick Regional Stewardship Award from LEAD San Diego.

As an instructor for the Red Cross, he also certifies Scripps employees in CPR, first aid and emergency response. In 2008 the Red Cross recognized him as a Real Hero for using CPR to save the life of a community member.

Van Gorder received his master’s degree in public administration/ health services administration at the University of Southern California, completed the Wharton System CEO Program at the University of Pennsylvania, and earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles.

In March 2006, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Van Gorder to the California Commission on Emergency Medical Services. In January 2007, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reappointed Van Gorder to the U.S. Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). He currently serves on the board of directors of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.

He is a clinical professor in health administration at the University of Southern California, where he also serves on the health care administration advisory board of the university’s school of policy, planning and development. In 2007, Van Gorder received USC’s prestigious Guardian Award for his significant achievements in health care and his commitment to the community and in 2008 he received the Learning for Life Distinguished Citizen Award from San Diego — Imperial Council’s Learning for Life and Exploring Division, an affiliate of the Boy Scouts of America.

In 2007 and 2008, he was named one of the nation’s “100 Most Powerful in Health Care” by Modern Healthcare magazine and in 2008, Van Gorder and his executive team were named the “Top Leadership Team in Health Care” for large health systems by HealthLeaders magazine. In addition, Van Gorder is a member of the editorial boards of HealthLeaders and the Governance Institute. In 2009 he received the distinguished B’nai B’rith National Healthcare Leader Award.

Van Gorder was part of medical history following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, M.D., asked a Scripps medical unit to staff a temporary clinic for hurricane survivors in the Houston Convention Center. The request for Scripps’ assistance marked the first time the federal government asked a private health care organization for long-term support for a nationally organized disaster relief plan.