"Marlen's leadership and vision for enhancing the member experience and her ability to forge meaningful external partnerships make her the ideal choice for this critical role," said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP's acting chief executive officer (CEO). "Her years of experience in public policy and community engagement here in Ventura County will be instrumental as we continue to connect our members with high-quality care."
As the primary GCHP executive leader responsible for understanding member needs, Ms. Torres is working to integrate advanced survey tools and data analysis into the organization to enhance the member experience. As the external-facing leader, Torres continues to act as a liaison with key stakeholders, including community organizations, government officials, and state agencies. She monitors legislative changes, advocates for GCHP's interests, and educates key stakeholders on policy impacts while ensuring strategic alignment with local and federal regulations.
"As someone who was born and raised in Oxnard and calls this city 'home,' I take great pride in listening to the unique needs of our members, whether they are managing their own health, or caring for their children or aging parents," Ms. Torres said. "Our members are my neighbors and family members – they are people I care for and about. From a personal and professional standpoint, I am excited to continue building a member-centered health plan that places our members' voices, personal needs, and family well-being at the forefront of everything we do."
Ms. Torres joined GCHP in 2014 as a policy analyst. Over the last 10 years, she has held progressive roles within the organization, including manager of government and external relations, and director of government and community relations. In her most recent position as executive director of strategy and external affairs, she monitored proposed local, state, and national policy initiatives that could impact GCHP. She worked closely with other Medi-Cal plans, state and federal trade associations, and government officials to advocate for continued access to quality health care for GCHP members.
Her extensive public policy and strategic planning background includes a notable policy fellowship in 2018 with the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), where she focused on federal Medicaid policy initiatives. During her time in Washington, D.C., Ms. Torres researched the role of education and employment in health outcomes, culminating in a white paper titled "Where Education, Employment and Health Meet." The white paper was highlighted during a 2019 U.S. Senate policy forum hosted by ACAP.
Ms. Torres currently serves on the Ventura County Behavioral Health Advisory Board and previously served on the City of Oxnard's Commission on Homelessness. Torres holds an M.B.A. from California Lutheran University and a B.A. in History and Chicana/o Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
About Gold Coast Health Plan
Gold Coast Health Plan proudly serves nearly 250,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County through its network of primary care physicians, specialists, behavioral health providers and hospitals. Since it was founded in 2011, Gold Coast Health Plan has been committed to providing access to high-quality care and improving the health of its members, which include 1 in 3 county residents, 1 in 6 seniors, and 1 in 2 children up to the age of 5. To learn more, visit: www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.
Media Contact:
Susana Enriquez-Euyoque
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SOURCE Gold Coast Health Plan
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