Meet Our Team : About Us : Valley Health Foundation

Michael Elliott

President & Executive Director

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"Health is a right - I strongly believe that a healthcare system that works for the most vulnerable makes all of us safer and healthier."
Gail Cuevas

Operations Manager

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"Joy is how I feel everyday knowing I work for and am part of an organization whose mission and values are very dear to my heart."
Lauren Madison

Executive Assistant

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"I believe accountability is the cornerstone of our values which allows us to create such a lasting impact within Santa Clara County. I’m grateful to be a part of a team that not only talks the talk but also walks the walk."
Tom Zazueta

Chief Operating Officer

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"Health is a right. We fundraise to support, innovate, and advocate for the wellness of our community and strive for Santa Clara County residents to receive the highest-quality health services—a future where better health for all isn’t just an aspiration but a reality."

Darcie Kiyan

Chief Development Officer

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"All too often in this world, dignity through illness can vary drastically based on wealth, status, and resources. Healthcare is a human right and I want to work towards a future where everyone has access to the care they need."
Hayley Durham-Filo

Development Systems Administrator

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"Being part of an organization that holds accountability as a key value is high on my list. I see accountability as the backbone for the other values, creating an ethical and grounded approach to fundraising and project management via checks and balances."
Kim Speziale-Waters

Development Coordinator

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"I connect strongly with our Mission, Vision and Values. Once I read them on the VHF website, I knew Valley Health Foundation was an organization I wanted to be a part of! I am proud to work with this dedicated team for the benefit of our community."
Cam Vu, PhD

Development Officer, Grants Administration

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"I am so proud of the innovative work around health and healthcare that Valley Health Foundation champions. VHF believes in innovative programs and partnerships to help us face the challenges affecting all communities."
Katherine Wang

Development Officer, Annual Giving

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"The belief that 'health is a right' is one that deeply resonates with me and that drives the work that I do. I feel so grateful to work alongside an amazing team and community that share this belief. I also love that we believe in and advocate for joy - that is so important too."

Julie Surjan

Chief Events & Marketing Officer

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"Collaboration is a key part of our work and what we do as an organization. I am so proud of our collaborative spirit and the incredible work we can all accomplish when we come together. The number of partners we work with is truly a statement of our impact and our common goal of better health for all."
Lorena Cortez

Marketing Producer

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"Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a pillar I live by. We all have a voice that matters and deserves to be heard. I am happy to work at a company that believes and supports this message as much as I do!"
Noelle Wirth

Director of Events

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"I have always believed that healthcare accessibility is a human right and this conviction is what led me to work for Valley Health Foundation. I am proud and grateful every day to work for an organization whose mission and values so align with my own and whose work is so important to our community. "
Jerry Wright

Communications Coordinator

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"Collaboration is key! Helen Keller said it best. Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
Nicole Zazkowski

Event Coordinator

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"Can Do-ism. It resonates with me because I believe life is all about putting yourself out of your comfort zone in order to grow. I believe we can accomplish anything if we’re willing to meet life’s challenges."

Christina Salvatier, MPA

Chief Financial Officer

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"Accountability - It's the value that is required in my day to day role. I feel that if I can show up with ethical conduct and integrity, that it sets the foundation for me to apply all the other values."
Maggie Salvatier

Accounts Receivable Accountant

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"Joy would have to be the value I connect with most because our mission brings me joy. Our line of work also brings so much joy to others in our healthcare system and community."
Angie Vallejo

Finance Manager

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"Joy is the value that I resonate most with at Valley Health Foundation. Our organization strives to bring happiness to those in need, especially during these difficult times. Joy is an essential piece of living a healthy life."

Sunny Ochoa

Senior Program Officer

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"I'm proud to work for an organization that prioritizes Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect as core values. These values ensure we consider those marginalized in our community when developing partnerships and creating programs, allowing us to contribute to building healthier communities in Santa Clara County."
Maria Padilla

Program Manager

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"I value our organization for being committed to fostering an environment of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Respect as fundamental principles guiding our culture."

Nicollette Drumond

Program Analyst

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“Choosing joy is something I prioritize every day. Valley Health Foundation makes it easy since the foundation values joy as well. I feel immense joy working alongside such kind and dedicated people.”
Lisa Hanson

Program Officer

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"The VHF team lives and breathes Can Do-Ism. It is inspiring to be surrounded by colleagues who do all they can to improve the lives of those in our community."
Danielle Paup, CMA

Program Analyst

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"Collaboration is about making a connection. Together we learn, we share, and we encourage. When we collaborate, we succeed!"
Christine Rutherford-Stuart

Program Officer

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"I’m proud to work for an organization that promotes healthcare access and equity, and is also working to support conditions for physical, mental and social well-being in the community. Vibrant and just communities grow healthy children and adults."