Former State Senator Bill Emmerson Joins California Hospital Association Leadership Team

Emmerson Appointed Senior Vice President for State Relations and Advocacy

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former State Senator Bill Emmerson has been appointed Senior Vice President of State Relations and Advocacy for the California Hospital Association (CHA).  Emmerson, who was first elected to the Assembly in 2004 representing Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, announced his resignation from the State Senate last month.

In his new role, Emmerson will oversee CHA's state-level legislative advocacy efforts.  In accordance with state law, Emmerson will not lobby members of the Legislature for one year following the effective date of his resignation from the Senate.  He will supervise CHA's team of in-house and contract lobbyists.  He also will provide political analysis and strategic guidance in the development of CHA's public policy objectives.

An orthodontist by profession, Emmerson received his bachelor's degree in history and political science from La Sierra University in Riverside.  Following graduation, he studied public administration at American University in Washington, D.C. while working as an aide for then-Rep. Jerry Pettis.  Emmerson subsequently moved back to California and joined the State Capitol staff of then-Assembly Minority Leader W. Craig Biddle, a position he held from 1969-1974.  While working for Biddle, Emmerson continued his post-graduate studies at California State University, Sacramento.    

Emmerson later enrolled in the School of Dentistry at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda (San Bernardino County), earning his dental degree in 1980 and a master's degree in orthodontics in 1982. 

Emmerson was a practicing orthodontist for 26 years in Hemet (Riverside County) before being elected to the Legislature.      

"Bill is among the most respected and thoughtful leaders that I've ever had the pleasure of working with," said CHA President/CEO C. Duane Dauner.  "He is a person of high integrity, and his knowledge of health care and the political process will be invaluable to California's hospitals.  We are honored to have him join the CHA staff."

During his time in the Senate, Emmerson served as the Vice Chair of both the Budget and Fiscal Review Committee and the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee.  He also was a member of the Governance and Finance Committee, the Human Services Committee and the Senate Rules Committee. 

Emmerson has received numerous honors and awards as a legislator including being named Legislator of the Year by several organizations including the Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons of California, the California Society for Health System Pharmacists, the California Small Business Association and the California Disability Services Association.  In 2011, he was awarded CHA's Public Service Award for his commitment to health care policies and issues.

Among his legislative achievements, Emmerson authored legislation to help combat poor oral health by requiring all school children to have an oral health assessment during kindergarten or their first year in school.

Emmerson replaces former CHA Senior Vice President Marty Gallegos, who left the Association in July to accept a senior position at the Hospital Association of Southern California in Los Angeles.  Emmerson will join CHA effective January 1, 2014.

SOURCE California Hospital Association