Candidate for VP/President Elect
VP/President- Elect
Thomas Viall
Privacy & Compliance Officer and Risk Manager
High Desert Medical Group
Candidate Statement
My objectives during this term in office in the position of VP/President Elect is three (3) fold. 1. Taking the opportunity to learn about the issues and needs for the Southern California members. 2. Foster and support opportunities for collaboration between the California chapters. 3. Using the opportunity/experience as a professional growth opportunity.
As a semi-new Risk Manager (5 years and counting), I feel that serving as the VP/President Elect for SCAHRM will allow me to continue to develop my skills as a Risk Manager and provide me the opportunity to learn from my more experienced peers.
As a semi-new Risk Manager (5 years and counting), I feel that serving as the VP/President Elect for SCAHRM will allow me to continue to develop my skills as a Risk Manager and provide me the opportunity to learn from my more experienced peers.
Candidate Bio
Tom has over 30 years of both clinical and administrative experience in health care. Tom has a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Cardiopulmonary Sciences from the University of Central Florida, a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern California, and a Master's of Science in Health Care Administration from California State University, Northridge.
Candidates for Treasurer
Sharon Layden
Tim Scanlan
Jason Williams
Treasurer
Sharon Layden
SVP Risk Management, National Healthcare Practice
Lockton
Candidate Statement
Maintain the established exceptional stewardship of SCAHRM's resources.
Supporting SCAHRM's mission though collaborative and sound budgeting and financial planning.
Promote trust and transparency with members, sponsors and other stakeholders.
Supporting SCAHRM's mission though collaborative and sound budgeting and financial planning.
Promote trust and transparency with members, sponsors and other stakeholders.
Candidate Bio
Sharon Layden is Senior Vice President, National Healthcare Practice with Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC. She has a career of over 30 years spanning healthcare, risk management and insurance. She provides comprehensive risk management service to variety of healthcare clients including acute care hospitals, home health care, hospice and long term care/skilled nursing facilities. Sharon has held a variety of positions in healthcare facilities in risk management, pharmacy, and employee and patient/resident/client safety.
Treasurer
Tim Scanlan
Master Structured Settlement Consultant
Summit Settlements Services, Inc.
Candidate Statement
My goal is to be of service to the community of SCAHRM and help organize and facilitate the mission of the association.
I am eager to be available as needed to help with education, networking, and other ways to help us all grow as professionals in the world of risk management.
If elected to the position of treasurer, i will be of service with proper reporting, maintaining the status quo of best practices, and problem solve any issues pertaining to the budget.
I am eager to be available as needed to help with education, networking, and other ways to help us all grow as professionals in the world of risk management.
If elected to the position of treasurer, i will be of service with proper reporting, maintaining the status quo of best practices, and problem solve any issues pertaining to the budget.
Candidate Bio
Tim Scanlan, a structured settlement expert specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, brings a unique perspective and innovative mindset to each case he handles. At Summit, Tim and his team assess all aspects of a case, including current and future needs to create a tailored settlement plan that best suit the claimant's financial goals.
Treasurer
Jason Williams
Assistant Director
UCI Health
Candidate Statement
The three objectives I'd like to achieve are financial stewardship that enhancing and expands education and programs. Maintaining the financial stability will allow funding for quality education events and enhance member development. The second objective will be to explore possible revenue sources beyond membership dues for long term growth and stability. I believe expanding certification prep programs and growing the number of professionals with the distinguished CPHRM certification can be an opportunity to scale influence and innovation. Lastly, governing excellence will be a priority through financial reporting, transparency, compliance, and board engagement.
Candidate Bio
Jason Williams has had a progressive career in healthcare over the last 18 years, including experience in Risk Management within the community hospital setting and complex academic health systems. His passion continues to grow within Risk Management specifically when advocating for patients and healthcare professionals, while implementing efficient system-based changes to help keep patients safe, thereby reducing risk exposures for the organizations he serves.
Candidates for
Board-Member-At-Large
Dexter Arbotante
Ryan Deane
Sheryl Hutchinson
Kate McDonell
Paul J. Molinaro
Jennier Pear
Claudia Quintanilla
Allan Ridings
Board-Member-At-Large
Dexter Arbotante
Director, Patient Safety & Clinical Risk Management
AltaMed Health
Candidate Statement
It is my sincere privilege to be nominated for the Board Member at Large position for 2026 -2027. I have recently joined SCAHRM in the past few years and since that time have had the pleasure to meet and collaborate with colleagues in the organization. SCAHRM truly lives by it's mission and vision! I want to assist SCAHRM in any way possible and serving as a Board Member at Large will help me achieve this personal goal.
Candidate Bio
Dedicated professional with over 14 years of experience in nursing, healthcare quality, risk management, patient safety, legal nurse consulting, corporate change management, and incident investigation. Solid foundation in methodologies, proactive safety assessments, adverse event investigation, organizational culture change, and analysis of relevant rules and regulations.
Board-Member-At-Large
Ryan Deane
Wood Smith Henning Berman
Candidate Statement
Expand membership interest to younger attorneys
Create cohesion among the defense healthcare community and its related risk associated practitioners to strengthen the healthcare defense/risk community in the face of ever cooperating plaintiff's bar
Provide a forum for out of the box thinking to assist in staying one step ahead in the healthcare community.
Create cohesion among the defense healthcare community and its related risk associated practitioners to strengthen the healthcare defense/risk community in the face of ever cooperating plaintiff's bar
Provide a forum for out of the box thinking to assist in staying one step ahead in the healthcare community.
Candidate Bio
Ryan Patrick Deane is a partner at WSHB's Los Angeles office specializing in professional liability defense. Ryan has been litigating for two decades and during that time has distinguished himself in his field of practice. He is particularly adept in defending intricate and complex cases in the areas of medical malpractice, elder abuse, products liability, employment issues/wrongful termination, legal malpractice, brokers, officers and directors, and other areas of professional liability.
Board-Member-At-Large
Sheryl Hutchinson
Manager, Risk
Adventist Health Central California Network
Candidate Statement
My goal is to strengthen educational offerings for risk professionals statewide, promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across diverse healthcare settings—including continued engagement with sister chapters and aligned professional organizations—and support initiatives that elevate the visibility and value of healthcare risk management.
Candidate Bio
Healthcare risk management leader with extensive experience in patient safety and organizational risk mitigation. Adept at building collaborative partnerships, leading safety initiatives, and educating clinical teams. Advanced certification in rural health operations. Actively engaged in statewide and regional professional associations, contributing to the advancement of healthcare risk management education and practice.
Board-Member-At-Large
Kate McDonell
Vice President
Chivaroli
Candidate Statement
My goal is to enhance member communication and engagement by continuing to develop SCAHRM’s digital presence through updated and visually engaging websites, social media platforms, and newsletters; expand the visibility of professional development opportunities by highlighting continuing education, networking events, and industry resources; and strengthen the SCAHRM community by showcasing member achievements, emerging trends, and best practices that foster collaboration within the healthcare risk management field.
Candidate Bio
Kate McDonell is a seasoned insurance broker of 15 years specializing in healthcare risk and insurance solutions for organizations across the care continuum, including large nonprofit hospital systems, medical groups, and individual physicians.
Board-Member-At-Large
Paul J. Molinaro
Attorney, Physician, Mediator, Arbitrator
MD JD Dispute Resolution
Candidate Statement
My goal is to increase membership to further support SCAHRM’s mission by enhancing continuing education, networking opportunities, and professional development; expand combined continuing education and networking events (e.g., SCAHRM on the Vine); and strengthen professional development efforts by engaging both new and existing members to identify and address the specific needs of their roles within the healthcare risk management community.
Candidate Bio
Treasurer
Jennifer Pear
Sr. Claims Manager
Liability Claims
Candidate Statement
I hope to increase awareness of the critical nature of relationships between risk/claims/counsel, ensure members have access to materials valuable to furthering risk mitigation, and act as a resource for current and potential members.
Candidate Bio
My interest in healthcare developed as a child and I was thrilled to find an opportunity to combine that interest while utilizing my legal background when I learned about healthcare risk management and claims. I spent my early career working with healthcare-based nonprofits, putting on events and fundraising on both a local and national scale. While working in that arena, I managed event operations, multiple committees, and regularly taught event and budgetary-related workshops, all with a focus on relationship-building.
Board-Member-At-Large
Claudia Quintanilla
Senior Risk Professional
UCI Health
Candidate Statement
Continue to advance the field of risk management by sharing my knowledge and experiences. I was lucky to be selected to co-present at the 45th annual conference.
Inspire others to be actively involved in the SCAHRM organization and attend the educational seminars and conference.
Support the organization's goals and any areas that need assistance.
Inspire others to be actively involved in the SCAHRM organization and attend the educational seminars and conference.
Support the organization's goals and any areas that need assistance.
Candidate Bio
Claudia Quintanilla is currently a Sr. Risk Professional at UCI Health Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs Department. In this role she manages professional liability and clinical risk. Prior to joining UCI, she worked for Providence Health where she held leadership positions in Risk Management, Regulatory, and Patient Safety. Claudia has over 17 years of experience working with Acute and Long-Term Care providers in the areas of clinical risk management, safety and regulatory compliance.
Claudia Quintanilla is currently a Sr. Risk Professional at UCI Health Risk Management and Regulatory Affairs Department. In this role she manages professional liability and clinical risk. Prior to joining UCI, she worked for Providence Health where she held leadership positions in Risk Management, Regulatory, and Patient Safety. Claudia has over 17 years of experience working with Acute and Long-Term Care providers in the areas of clinical risk management, safety and regulatory compliance.
Board-Member-At-Large
Alan Ridings
SCAN Health Plan Peer Advocate Leader (Support Specialists)
SCAN Health Plan
Candidate Statement
Manage the organization’s internal and external messaging, acting as a bridge to the members, media, and Board members. Create content from member submitted articles related to risk, legal and insurance topics and develop strategies to assist and build SCAHRM's brand awareness.
Candidate Bio
My career began with a quiet instinct—to bring order, clarity, and calm where complexity reigns. Over three decades, that instinct blossomed into a trusted leadership in clinical risk management, patient safety, and healthcare operations. At SCAN Health Plan, I lead as a Peer Advocate, guiding team members to value their lived experiences, fostering connections with members and provide technical education and peer support with team members and SCAN membership.
Candidates for
Nominating Commitee
Reeta Kumar
Andrew (Andy) Oppenberg
Gina Reese
Ann Marie Svolos
Mark Veneri
Mayglora Young
Nominating Committee
Reeta Kumar
Director, Patient Services/Risk Management
San Antonio Regional Hospital
Candidate Statement
Part of SCAHRM’s mission is to provide its members with continuing education, networking opportunities, and professional enhancements within the healthcare community. This resonates with me at many different levels as I have grown immensely professionally with SCAHRM and have been able to provide my organization(s) and care team members with the support they need in real time.
My objectives for next year will be to identify and secure nomination(s) who can bring knowledge in the new and emerging topics in risk management.
My objectives for next year will be to identify and secure nomination(s) who can bring knowledge in the new and emerging topics in risk management.
Candidate Bio
I have been a Registered Nurse for over 35 years and with experience in medical, surgical and critical care nursing units, case management, quality and risk management. I have served in quality and risk management areas for the last 20 years in acute care settings ranging from small community hospitals to academic centers.
Nominating Committee
Andy Oppenberg
Professor, Bioethicist, ERM, Ethics Consultant
California State University, Northridge and Asclepius Bioethics & ERM Consultants
Candidate Statement
My goal is to identify, recruit, and nominate qualified SCAHRM members in accordance with Section 8.2.7.1 of the Nominating Committee bylaws to fill all vacant elected positions, ensure a full ballot with members in good standing, and select individuals who are passionate about serving in leadership roles within the organization.
Candidate Bio
Dr. Andrew Oppenberg, DPS, MPH, HEC-C, CPHRM, DFASHRM, DSA, (Andy) has decades of experience in risk management/patient safety, bioethics, and eight years of experience in various clinical and medical research arenas. Andy is a professor (lecturer) in Health Sciences/ Administration at California State University, Northridge and teaches courses in Health Law, Health/ Hospital Administration, and Ethics. Andy’s consultancy firm: Asclepius Bioethics, ERM, Consultants focuses on Enterprise Risk Management, Patient Safety, IRB Human Subjects Research, CME, and Bioethics.
Candidate Bio
Gina Reese
RN, JD, CPHRM
Retired
Candidate Statement
Ensure that elections are efficient and secure
Increase member participation in the organization
Ensure continued effectiveness of the nominating committee
Increase member participation in the organization
Ensure continued effectiveness of the nominating committee
Candidate Bio
Ms. Reese graduated Magna Cum Laude from Whittier College School of Law in Los Angeles, after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude, from California State University at Los Angeles, and a Nursing degree from Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing in Oakland, California.
Nominating Committee
Ann Marie Svolos
Principal, Risk Management, Accreditation, & Regulatory Compliance
Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Candidate Statement
My goal is to actively participate in year-round SCAHRM educational activities to increase visibility and connect with members, identify a diverse pool of potential candidates for future committee and board vacancies, and foster member interest in volunteering for professional development and mentorship opportunities for emerging risk leaders.
Candidate Bio
Hello SCAHRM members! I'm excited to be a candidate for the SCAHRM Nominating Committee and would like to share a little about myself. I've been an RN for 39 years, serving in various nursing and leadership roles. After working in the acute care setting for 10 years, I felt the pull of leadership and returned to school to earn my BSN and MSN.
Treasurer
Mark Veneri
Ambulatory Risk Manager
Previously with Keck Medicine of USC
Candidate Statement
My goal is to increase the total number of nominations to expand the candidate pool, provide earlier notification of office nominees to support more informed voter decisions, and review nominating policies and procedures to ensure they remain current, relevant, and effective.
Candidate Bio
Mark T. Veneri is a risk professional with over 40 years of experience in mixed Quality, Risk, Safety, and nursing experience. After retiring honorably from the United States Army as an Operation Desert Storm veteran, he pursued a career in Quality and Risk Management. While there, Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center (then with Dignity Health) gained distinction for itself as one of our Nation’s “50 Best Hospitals” as determined by Healthgrades for three consecutive years.
Nominating Committee
Mayglora Young
Senior Risk Management Consultant
CHI Optima Healthcare Insurance Services
Candidate Statement
My goal is to elevate SCAHRM membership, promote a broader platform with diverse forums that highlight the organization and its work, and continue to actively contribute to and support SCAHRM’s mission as a professional organization.
Candidate Bio
Mayglora has worked as a Senior Risk Management Consultant with Optima Healthcare Insurance Company for over 4 years.
Her background is critical care nursing with over 42 years’ experience as a registered nurse and over 30 years’ experience in diverse healthcare areas that include risk management and patient safety. She has worked in hospitals, academia, governmental agencies- including a Medicare Fraud and Abuse unit, and one of the largest healthcare systems insuring over 200 hospitals across the country.
Her background is critical care nursing with over 42 years’ experience as a registered nurse and over 30 years’ experience in diverse healthcare areas that include risk management and patient safety. She has worked in hospitals, academia, governmental agencies- including a Medicare Fraud and Abuse unit, and one of the largest healthcare systems insuring over 200 hospitals across the country.