CEO of COMMUNITY HEALTH GROUP (CHG)
Norma A. Diaz, the Chief Executive Officer of Community Health Group (CHG), has played a pivotal role in the organization’s impressive financial success, with an annual revenue of $1.6 billion. With a remarkable tenure of 49 years, her leadership has been crucial to CHG’s growth and prosperity since her appointment to the CEO position in 2002, coinciding with the organization’s 20th anniversary.
Ms. Diaz’s journey in the healthcare sector began as a teenage volunteer in a school-work program, where she discovered her calling for helping others. Her career commenced at the San Ysidro Health Center, where she worked while pursuing higher education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from San Diego State University and a Master of Business Administration from National University.
In 1982, Ms. Diaz witnessed the formation of CHG through a joint venture between the San Ysidro Health Center and South Bay General Hospital. Over the years, she held various positions within the organization, including Chief Human Resources Officer and Associate CEO, before being appointed as the CEO by the Board of Directors.
Ms. Diaz’s exceptional contributions to the community have earned her numerous prestigious awards, including the “Legacy Award for Distinguished Community Service” from the San Ysidro Health Center, the YWCA Twin Award, and the “Business Woman of the Year” award from the Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce. She has also been recognized as the “Latina of the Year” by the Sweetwater Union High School District and inducted into its Hall of Fame. The San Diego Business Journal honored her with the “San Diego Women Who Mean Business” and “Business Woman of the Year (Large Company)” awards. In 2018, she received MANA de San Diego’s “Super HerMANA” award, and in 2021, she was named a “Celebrating Women: Nonprofit Visionary” by San Diego Magazine. The San Diego Girl Scouts recognized her as a “Cool Woman” in 2023, and the San Diego Business Journal listed her as a finalist for CEO of the Year and Latino Leaders of Influence 2023 Honoree.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Ms. Diaz is deeply committed to community service. She actively participates in various local organizations and has been involved with MANA de San Diego for many years. Through MANA de San Diego, she engages in professional networking, mentors young women, provides scholarships, and promotes education.
Established in 1982, CHG operates as a nonprofit health plan dedicated to serving San Diego County’s diverse and expanding population. With over 400,000 members, CHG primarily serves Medi-Cal, Communicare Advantage (D-SNP), and Community y Más (C-SNP) members in the county. The organization takes pride in delivering exceptional customer service while administering quality, culturally proficient, whole-person healthcare. CHG’s Medi-Cal program has achieved accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance, and the health plan actively participates in various state quality initiatives. Members of CHG plans benefit from an extensive network of healthcare practitioners, hospitals, and ancillary providers, ensuring comprehensive and accessible healthcare options.
