SALINAS — Salinas resident Isaura Arreguin took the oath of office March 27 to serve the Salinas Valley Health Board of Directors in Zone 3.
“Isaura brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of community experience to the role,” said Joel Hernandez Laguna, president of Salinas Valley Health Board of Directors. “On behalf of the board, we welcome our new colleague and are confident her background and demonstrated community engagement will be assets in representing the diverse population of her zone and our district.”
Arreguin resides in Zone 3, which encompasses much of North Salinas in the District established in 1953 as the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital District. Her professional career has focused on community development, program development, grant writing and management.
Over the past decade, Arreguin has served in various positions at Hartnell College and is the current program director for Salinas Community Science Workshop.
“My goal is to lead by example and be an inspiration to other Latinas, including my two daughters,” Arreguin said. “I will serve with tenacity, transparency and a genuine commitment to my community.”
A board sub-committee made up of Hernandez Laguna and Director Catherine Carson reviewed the applications and interviewed all the candidates before recommending Arreguin to the rest of the board. The unanimous vote took place earlier that month at a special public Board meeting.
“The importance of having a strong board of directors serving the people of our healthcare district is critical to the mission of Salinas Valley Health,” said Dr. Allen Radner, Salinas Valley Health president/CEO. “Our leadership team is fortunate to have the valuable input of a knowledgeable and dedicated board as we navigate challenges and opportunities in meeting the health needs our community.”
Arreguin was sworn in at last week’s regularly scheduled meeting of the SVH Board of Directors. At the request of Arreguin, Soledad Mayor Anna Velazquez administered the oath of office.
“Isa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in community engagement, leadership development and strategic planning,” said Velazquez, after the official ceremony. “She will be a staunch advocate for residents of Zone 3; her integrity, empathy, tenacity and commitment to people and equity will help bring the needed healthcare services to the community.”
Arreguin replaces Juan Cabrera, who served on the board since being elected by voters in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Cabrera resigned mid-term for personal reasons.
Arreguin joins Hernandez Laguna (Zone 5), Carson (Zone 4), Dr. Rolando Cabrera (Zone 1) and Victor Rey Jr. (Zone 2). Her appointed term expires December 2026.
Salinas Valley Health is a network of health and medical services, nationally recognized for delivering quality care at a local level to a diverse population and open to everyone. Salinas Valley Health includes a 263-bed acute care medical center; primary, specialty and urgent care clinics; a mobile clinic; and community-based health and wellness programs.
