Valerie Powell Stafford, FACHE, Begins a New Leadership Chapter

Valerie Powell Stafford, FACHE, will begin serving as senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Greater Southern Alameda Service Area on August 3, 2026. The appointment marks a new professional chapter and a relocation to Northern California after more than 25 years of leadership within complex health systems. 

A Role Grounded in Partnership 

The Greater Southern Alameda Service Area serves more than 374,000 members across communities in Southern Alameda County. Its network includes medical centers in San Leandro and Fremont, along with medical offices and specialized services in nearby communities. 

Kaiser Permanente’s integrated structure brings together hospitals, physicians, health plans, labor partners and community relationships. In her new role, she will focus on clinical excellence, operational performance, affordability and service. Her responsibilities will also include supporting a workplace where colleagues have the resources and relationships needed to do their best work. 

Experience Across Complex Health Systems 

Her professional background includes hospital operations, physician relationships, organizational culture, professional development and community engagement. 

Most recently, she served as Hartford Market President for Trinity Health of New England, overseeing Saint Francis Hospital and Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital in Connecticut. Earlier positions included executive roles with HCA Healthcare and other regional health systems. 

She is board-certified in healthcare management and is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Her experience reflects a career centered on service, collaboration and continued professional learning. 

Learning a New Region 

A cross-country move brings practical adjustments alongside new leadership responsibilities. Entering a new organization also requires time to listen, understand existing priorities and learn from the people already serving the region. 

Southern Alameda County includes distinct communities with different health care needs and experiences. Building relationships with employees, physicians, labor representatives, and community partners will provide valuable context as she becomes familiar with the service area. 

The transition offers an opportunity to contribute to a new health system while respecting the work already underway. As August 3 approaches, Valerie Powell Stafford, FACHE, begins this chapter with a focus on learning the region, strengthening partnerships and supporting the communities served across Southern Alameda County.