CLU executive to head hospital board

Ritch Eich

Ritch Eich, PhD, vice president of marketing and communications at California Lutheran University (CLU) in Thousand Oaks, was recently appointed chairman of the board of trustees of Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center, also in Thousand Oaks.

Eich succeeds C. Perin Johnson, MD, who remains on the board.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with Ritch’s breadth of experience and high energy move into this important leadership role at this time,” said Jim Sherman, hospital president and CEO. “We all know that healthcare is going through a very challenging time, and I look forward to working closely with Ritch to make sure that our hospital continues to serve the needs of our growing community.”

Eich has been a member of the hospital board since 2003 and last year served as vice chair.

In addition to being an area resident and actively involved in community activities through his work at CLU, the campus awardwinning NPR radio station, KCLU, is also a part of Eich’s senior administrative responsibilities.

Eich brings to Los Robles Medical Center a strong background in healthcare management and marketing. in 2003, Eich served as chief of communications and public affairs at Stanford University Medical Center where he oversaw activities on behalf of Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford Hospital and Clinics and the Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital.

“Los Robles is a wonderful facility and a very important piece of the Greater Conejo Valley,” said Eich. “Our employees, medical staff, board and volunteers are all committed to excellence in medical care and customer service. I am very excited about my new role and feel strongly that my experience will serve me well as I take on this new position with great enthusiasm and high expectations.”

Serving with Eich on the Los Robles Hospital board of trustees are Sherman, who acts as secretary, and board members Simon Boostanfar, MD, pediatrician; Frank Dawson, MD, family practitioner; Vishva Dev, MD, hospital chief of staff; Betty Horner, community liaison; Mark Mazur, MD, internal medicine; Patricia Moore-Jones, executive director, Alliance for the Arts; David Newman, MD, vascular surgeon; Greg Ramirez, Agoura Hills city manager and redevelopment agency executive director; Bruce Tackman, retired, former president of Kavlico; and Lisa Teevan, RN, assisted home hospice nurse.

Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center is a 265-bed acute care facility dedicated to serving the residents of Ventura County, the Conejo Valley and its surrounding communities.