The chief executive officer of CalOptima, the county’s insurance program for residents in need, will retire in November, officials said Thursday.
Richard Sanchez will step down on Nov. 7.
Sanchez has led the agency since April of last year. Before that, he was director of the Orange County Health Care Agency for three years.
“After working in health care for more than 37 years, Richard joined CalOptima and led the organization through the most challenging time in health care in generations with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Orange County Board Chairman Andrew Do. “He put members first and foremost and delivered unprecedented results on quality, access, growth and equity. We wish him well in retirement.”
Sanchez said he will “greatly miss” the clients, staff and stakeholders in the agency.
“Health care is a calling, and it has been a privilege to serve and help ensure access to quality health care for the most vulnerable members of the community. I am proud of CalOptima’s staff for stepping up, performing remarkably and meeting the health care needs of Orange County during the ongoing pandemic.”
Officials will conduct a search for a new CEO.