Hispanic Executive: Art Ochoa and Andy Ortiz Highlight Their Bond to Los Angeles
Hispanic Executive Magazine interviewed Cedars-Sinai leaders Arthur J. Ochoa, JD, senior vice president of Advancement and chief advancement officer, and Andy Ortiz, senior vice president of Human Resources, about their Los Angeles roots and the health system's commitment to serving a diverse community, patient population and workforce.
The article profiled the two native Angelenos, who discussed how their deep understanding of the health challenges that the city’s most vulnerable residents face has affected their tenure.
"I think being from here provides a deep and long understanding of this area," Ochoa told Hispanic Executive. "That said, this is a dynamic city and there are always changes. You can’t get complacent. Even if you think you know a city or a region, you need to keep growing, learning, and expanding."
Ortiz, who also grew up in Los Angeles, explained how his upbringing plays a role in his day-to-day interaction with patients and faculty at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
"As a native Angeleno, I am accustomed to living and working in a diverse environment," Ortiz told Hispanic Executive. “My role provides me the opportunity to engage with all levels, all ages, all religions, all gender identities and all cultural and religious backgrounds."
Ortiz and Ochoa highlighted Cedars-Sinai's commitment and contributions to organizations that serve the community. Those efforts include a mobile medical clinic providing healthcare to underserved children and their families, a program run in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District that educates families about healthy eating, and a multiyear initiative to address homelessness.
Both executives told Hispanic Executive that Cedars-Sinai's history of tackling inequality has informed the organization's approach to the future. The medical center was founded 118 years ago in response to discrimination against Jewish people and Jewish physicians.
"From that history, our values of respect, integrity, and diversity were born — and they are alive and well today," Ortiz said.
Click here to read the complete story from Hispanic Executive Magazine.