Sandra R. Hernández, MD, Named Keynote Speaker for Catalyst for Health 2026
TOPLINES
The California Quality Collaborative (CQC) is pleased to announce Sandra R. Hernández, MD, president and CEO of the California Health Care Foundation(CHCF), as the keynote speaker for Catalyst for Health 2026, taking place April 22–23 in Sacramento.
A physician and nationally recognized public health leader, Dr. Hernández brings decades of experience shaping health care policy, affordability and delivery system accountability in California. Prior to joining CHCF, Sandra was CEO of The San Francisco Foundation. She previously served as director of public health for the City and County of San Francisco. In February 2023, Sandra was appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom to serve on the state’s Health Care Affordability Board. From 2018 to 2023, she served on the Covered California board of directors, after having been appointed by Governor Jerry Brown. In 2019, she was also appointed by Governor Newsom to the Healthy California for All Commission.
Read Dr. Hernández’s full biography →
Catalyst 2026
Dr. Hernández’s keynote will open Catalyst for Health 2026, CQC’s annual Forum bringing together leaders, innovators and implementers from across California’s health care ecosystem to share strategies, build relationships and tackle the state’s most pressing challenges. The 2026 Forum will center on the theme Where Ingenuity Meets Impact, exploring how stakeholders can achieve greater impact with limited resources through innovation, collaboration and practical solutions.
The Forum kicks off at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel in Sacramento with a Welcome Reception on Wednesday, offering health care leaders an intimate opportunity to connect and build relationships ahead of the full-day convening.
Registration for Catalyst for Health 2026 is now open and a limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Explore Catalyst 2026.
