CalOptima Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

CalOptima has 5 executives leading key functions including finance, information technology, operations, public affairs, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to community well-being, CalOptima operates as a public agency and County Organized Health System dedicated to providing comprehensive health insurance programs. The organization's leadership philosophy centers on collaborative improvement for members and the broader community.

Leadership Roles at CalOptima

  • Chief Financial Officer - Nancy Huang
  • Chief Operating Officer - Yunkyung Kim
  • Stategy Public Affairs Chief & Interim Chief Operating Officer - Michael Ruane
  • Chief Information Officer - Kathleen Linder
  • Deputy Chief Medical Officer - Zeinab Dabbah
  • Nancy Huang - Chief Financial Officer

    Nancy Huang, the Chief Financial Officer at CalOptima, directs all fiscal operations and financial strategy. Huang oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring the fiscal health of the organization. This role involves managing investments, analyzing financial performance, and reporting to stakeholders. Huang's leadership ensures that CalOptima maintains robust financial controls and achieves its objectives for serving low-income populations. The Chief Financial Officer's responsibilities extend to optimizing revenue streams and managing expenditures across all programs. Nancy Huang drives financial sustainability, enabling the agency to expand its reach and enhance services for members. This executive ensures compliance with all financial regulations and reporting requirements, safeguarding the agency's assets and reputation. Huang's strategic financial management supports CalOptima's mission of providing accessible healthcare.
    Nancy Huang

    Yunkyung Kim - Chief Operating Officer

    Yunkyung Kim, the Chief Operating Officer at CalOptima, directs the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the agency. Kim oversees the execution of strategic initiatives, ensuring seamless service delivery to members. This role involves managing cross-departmental collaboration, optimizing workflows, and enhancing operational efficiency across all programs. The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for maintaining high standards of service quality and member satisfaction. Yunkyung Kim drives operational excellence, ensuring that CalOptima effectively fulfills its mandate as a County Organized Health System. Kim's leadership focuses on streamlining processes and resource management to support the organization's mission. This executive ensures that operational strategies align with the agency's commitment to serving low-income populations, children, adults, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The Chief Operating Officer's oversight guarantees the effective implementation of policies and procedures.
    Yunkyung Kim

    Michael Ruane - Stategy Public Affairs Chief & Interim Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Ruane, the Stategy Public Affairs Chief & Interim Chief Operating Officer at CalOptima, leads strategic planning and public engagement efforts. Ruane also provides interim oversight for critical operational functions, ensuring continuity and alignment with organizational goals. This dual role involves shaping public perception, managing government relations, and driving strategic partnerships. The Stategy Public Affairs Chief & Interim Chief Operating Officer ensures that CalOptima's mission and impact are effectively communicated to stakeholders and the public. Michael Ruane's strategic direction supports the agency's commitment to community well-being and accessibility. This executive's responsibilities include developing long-term strategies and managing public affairs initiatives that enhance the organization's reputation and reach. Ruane's interim operational leadership ensures that key business processes continue to function effectively during this transition period, supporting the overall mission.

    Kathleen Linder - Chief Information Officer

    Kathleen Linder, the Chief Information Officer at CalOptima, architects the organization's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. Linder oversees all IT operations, including system development, data security, and network management. This leadership position is critical for enhancing operational efficiency and member experience through innovative technological solutions. The Chief Information Officer ensures that CalOptima's technology platforms support its mission of providing health insurance programs effectively. Kathleen Linder drives the implementation of secure and scalable IT systems, safeguarding sensitive member data. This role involves collaborating with other departments to align technology initiatives with business goals. Linder's expertise ensures that CalOptima remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the public health sector, improving accessibility and service delivery. The Chief Information Officer's strategic vision enables seamless data integration and robust cybersecurity measures.
    Kathleen Linder

    Zeinab Dabbah - Deputy Chief Medical Officer

    Zeinab Dabbah, the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at CalOptima, supports the development and implementation of clinical strategies and healthcare quality initiatives. Dabbah collaborates with the Chief Medical Officer to ensure that medical policies and programs effectively serve the health needs of CalOptima's diverse membership. This role involves overseeing quality improvement programs, clinical review processes, and adherence to medical best practices. The Deputy Chief Medical Officer plays a vital part in enhancing member health outcomes and ensuring access to appropriate care. Zeinab Dabbah's expertise contributes to the clinical integrity of CalOptima's health insurance offerings. This executive works to align clinical operations with the organization's mission of providing comprehensive healthcare to low-income individuals, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. Dabbah's focus is on advancing the quality and effectiveness of medical services provided through the agency.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding CalOptima Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads CalOptima?
    CalOptima is led by Nancy Huang (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Yunkyung Kim (Chief Operating Officer) and Michael Ruane (Stategy Public Affairs Chief & Interim Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of CalOptima’s executive team?
    The executive team of CalOptima includes leaders such as Nancy Huang (Chief Financial Officer), Yunkyung Kim (Chief Operating Officer), Michael Ruane (Stategy Public Affairs Chief & Interim Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does CalOptima have?
    CalOptima has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in CalOptima’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of CalOptima includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Stategy Public Affairs Chief & Interim Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, Deputy Chief Medical Officer.