Chief Operating Officer

To see the full recruitment brochure for this role, click here. Executive SummaryContra Costa Health (CCH) is seeking an exceptional executive leader to serve as its inaugural Chief Operating Officer (COO), a newly created position designed to modernize one of California's largest and most comprehensive integrated public health systems. The COO will help shape the future of a healthcare system that uniquely combines a health plan, a public hospital, community health centers, behavioral health services, public health, housing and homelessness services, and community health and safety programs under one integrated organization. As the County's primary Medi-Cal provider, Contra Costa Health touches the lives of a significant portion of the County's 1.2M residents. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to improve access, quality, efficiency, and health outcomes for some of California's most vulnerable populations while helping lead the organization through one of the most transformational periods in its history. About Contra Costa HealthContra Costa Health is one of the most comprehensive county health systems in the United States.Serving one of the Country’s largest and most diverse counties, the department integrates:Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and Health Centers - A county-operated public hospital and network of nine primary care health centersContra Costa Health PlanBehavioral Health ServicesPublic HealthHealth, Housing and HomelessnessCommunity Health and Safety Together these services create an integrated delivery system that allows Contra Costa Health to influence both how care is delivered and how it is financed—an uncommon model that enables innovation, flexibility, and system-wide coordination.The department oversees approximately 5,000 employees and operates with an annual budget approaching $4B. To learn more about Contra Costa Health, check out their website: cchealth.org The PositionReporting directly to the Director of Health Services, the Chief Operating Officer serves as a key member of the department’s executive team and works collaboratively to develop strategy, align resources, and enhance organizational effectiveness across Contra Costa Health.Leading operational strategy and providing direct oversight for major divisions in Contra Costa Health, including Contra Costa Regional Medical Center, affiliated Health Centers, Contra Costa Health Plan, Behavioral Health, and Community Health and Safety divisions such as Public Health and Health, Housing and Homelessness. Primary responsibilities include:Serves as the Director of Health Services’ designee in their absence, ensuring continuity of executive leadership, decision-making, and operational performancePlans, develops, and implements long-term system objectives, including modernization initiatives, service expansion, and strategies to support sustainable organizational growthOversee department-wide operations to improve transparency, reduce duplication, increase efficiency, and implement consistent standards and best practices across the organizationDevelops and maintains collaborative working relationships with other County departments to strengthen coordination, promote innovation, and optimize service deliveryLeads the adaptation of organizational systems and operations to effectively respond to evolving healthcare delivery models, financing structures, and managed care environmentsCollaborates with the CCH Chief Financial Officer in the financial management of CCH, including long-term budget planning and alignment of operational and fiscal strategyProvides oversight to Deputy Directors across all CCH divisions, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and performance standardsOversee executive responses to regulatory and inspection findings, ensuring compliance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the health system The Ideal CandidateContra Costa Health seeks an accomplished executive with operational expertise, leadership presence, and strategic mindset to lead a highly complex public healthcare organization through transformational change. The successful candidate will bring: Executive Healthcare Operations ExperienceExtensive executive leadership within large, complex healthcare organizationsExperience overseeing operations for hospitals, integrated delivery systems, health systems, or large ambulatory networksDemonstrated success leading largescale and complex operational transformation and performance improvementExperience aligning clinical operations with financial sustainabilityExperience working in a unionized environment Strategic LeadershipThe ideal candidate will possess:Strong operational leadership expertiseExcellent relationship-building skillsPolitical awareness and sound judgmentData-driven decision makingCommitment to accountability and continuous improvement Minimum Qualifications:Education: Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in public health, hospital or healthcare administration, business or public administration, social or behavioral sciences, health sciences, social work, or a closely related field. Experience: Seven (7) years of full-time (or equivalent) progressively responsible professional management experience within a healthcare or human services organization. This experience must include at least three (3) years in an executive-level leadership role within a large, complex, and diverse public or nonprofit organization providing health or human services. Selection Process:Candidates are encouraged to express interest early in the recruitment process. This position will remain open until filled. For first consideration, please submit your application by September 7th, 2026. Applications should be submitted through Contra Costa County. For confidential inquiries, please contact:Julia MorseVice President, Healthcare & Public SectorBerkeley Search Consultantsjmorse@berkeleysearch.comorPhong TrieuVice President, Fulfillment StrategiesBerkeley Search Consultantsptrieu@berkeleysearch.com