VENTURA, Calif. – Dr. Theresa Cho has been elected as Ventura County’s new health department director.
Below is the press release regarding the appointment.
Dr. Theresa Cho has been selected as the new director of the Ventura County Health Department. The appointment followed a rigorous search process that included more than 39 applicants. Dr. Cho will replace Dr. Barry Zimmerman, who retired in June.
“Dr. Cho brings a wealth of experience and exceptional qualifications to the role of Health Director,” said County Executive Dr. Sebet Johnson. “Her distinguished career as a family medicine physician and leadership across our county’s health care system uniquely position her to ably advance the agency’s mission. We are confident in her abilities to lead the Health Department forward in its ongoing commitment to continued innovation, operational excellence and patient-centered care for Ventura County residents.”
For over four years, Ms. Cho has served as CEO of the Health Department’s Ambulatory Care System, overseeing 34 clinics across the county. Ms. Cho is board certified in Family Medicine, completed her residency training at Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC) and has served as a family physician in the Ventura County Health System for the past 28 years. She served as a hospital physician at VCMC and later joined the residency faculty. As an award-winning resident mentor, she also led the hospital’s diabetes management team. Ms. Cho’s practice focuses on treating diabetes patients in Oxnard and Santa Paula, and she received the “Code Insulin” award from both the Resident and Insulindependence in recognition of her efforts to improve care for hospitalized diabetes patients.
In addition to his clinical roles, Dr. Cho has held leadership positions as former Chief of Staff at VCMC and Commissioner at Gold Coast Health Plan. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Dr. Cho completed his residency at Ventura County Medical Center in 1999. He also holds a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Southern California.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the HHS Agency and advance its mission of providing quality health care to the county,” Cho said. “I look forward to unifying the agency’s diverse efforts to improve access to health care for all and foster thriving, healthy communities. I look forward to working with the many dedicated people who form the backbone of the HHS Agency, and I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained during my tenure at the agency to ensure its continued success and growth.”
The Ventura County Health Department is a public health system comprised of two public hospitals, 34 outpatient clinics, a behavioral health department, a public health department, and a health plan for county employees and their dependents. Through a skilled workforce, education, and positive leadership, the Health Department strives to provide comprehensive, compassionate health care to our community, especially those who face barriers.
Cho will take up his post on July 7th.
Ventura County