Our Management Team

Harjeet Sidhu, with over a decade of financial experience, currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at Clinica Sierra Vista. Educated at the California Southern University, Irvine with degrees in Business Administration, Finance, his responsibilities encompass a broad spectrum, from strategic financial planning to overseeing budgets for various service lines and advocating for organizational interests at multiple levels.

Harjeet started his career in the financial services industry and gained valuable experience in investment strategies and financial analysis. He further expanded his expertise by working in the oil and gas sector and finally, Managed Care for over six years. This diverse background enables him to effectively navigate financial landscapes and develop solid strategies that align with the organization’s objectives.

Harjeet’s connection to Clinica Sierra Vista’s mission is personal. Born at Kern Medical and raised in Arvin, California, he witnessed firsthand the critical role played by Clinica Sierra Vista in providing essential healthcare services to underserved communities. This personal connection drives his dedication to expanding the organization’s reach and enhancing its services.

In his pursuit of personal and professional growth, Harjeet enjoys traveling, golfing, and embracing challenges that extend beyond his professional realm. His involvement in the community, particularly as a member of the Advisory Board of CSUB’s Finance and Accounting Department, reflects his dedication to giving back and nurturing future talents.

Harjeet aspires to position Clinica Sierra Vista as a national leader among Federally Qualified Health Centers, focusing on excellence in healthcare delivery and technological innovation. At Clinica Sierra Vista, he combines his professional expertise with a strong commitment to the community’s welfare and the organization’s success.

Magdalena (Maggie) Pruitt serves as the Chief Administrative Officer. Educated at the University of California, Davis, with degrees in Sociology and Psychology and further honed by leadership certificates from Harvard Business School and the University of Delaware, Maggie is a testament to strategic leadership and commitment to quality.

Maggie’s leadership is deeply influenced by Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” philosophy, which she integrates into fostering a culture of operational excellence and supporting her team. Her focus on strategic leadership and quality improvement is pivotal as she prepares the organization for transformative changes like the Cal AIM initiative, ensuring operational efficiency and high standards.

Maggie, in her role as the Chief Administrative Officer, strives to do more than enhance internal operations. Her goal is to create a positive influence on the community and the patients who rely on Clinica Sierra Vista. Her approach prioritizes operational excellence and underscores her commitment to the overarching mission of enhancing the health and wellness of our communities.

Maggie’s interests in psychology and leadership philosophy enrich her professional approach, making her a dynamic leader dedicated to improving team and community well-being.

John Church is a seasoned financial executive with extensive expertise in healthcare management and consulting, spanning hospitals, community health centers, physician organizations, and managed care systems.

Currently serving as Chief Transformation Officer at Clinica Sierra Vista, he brings decades of strategic leadership to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other healthcare organizations across the nation.

With a career starting in 1980, John has held interim CFO roles for hospitals and FQHCs and has performed over 600 consulting engagements through the Bureau of Primary Health Care.

His work includes compliance audits, operational site visits, financial reviews, and assisting new healthcare entities in achieving successful starts.

In his managed care roles, John has driven initiatives to optimize financial and operational performance.

As Vice President of Managed Care and Finance for organizations like CareAlliance, ChildNet, and Santé Health Systems, he achieved key milestones, such as:

• Negotiating subcapitated HMO contracts.
• Designing physician capitation models that saved millions annually.
• Merging organizations to streamline operations and cut costs.
• Developing integrated health systems and medical groups.

Earlier in his career, John honed his financial expertise as a Senior Auditor and Consultant with Ernst & Whinney, performing audits, financial feasibility studies, and Medicare/Medicaid cost optimizations.

John’s educational background includes a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Health Services Administration from the University of San Francisco.

With his comprehensive experience and strategic vision, he has established himself as a leader in healthcare financial management and consulting.

As the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer, Richard Pruitt oversees a diverse portfolio of critical departments, including Patient Access, Pharmacy, WIC, Community Outreach, Emergency Operations and Management, General Services, and Licensing. Additionally, he manages Information Technology, Application Delivery (HIT), Data Management, Information Security, Business Intelligence, and Project Management. His role involves driving strategic initiatives, ensuring operational efficiency, bridging the natural, and fostering innovation across these areas to enhance service delivery and support the organization’s overall mission.

Richard Pruitt has had a remarkable professional journey starting with eight years of service in the U.S. Army, which paved the way for a 26-year career in both the public and private sectors. Throughout his career, Richard has held various titles, including Engineer, Manager, Director, and Chief in different organizations, with a strong focus on healthcare for the past 17 years. With a solid background in technology, Richard has consistently focused on bridging the gap between operations and technology, aligning technological solutions with operational needs.

Richard’s significant professional achievements include being recognized as a top three PMI Finalist for Project Management Operations and receiving multiple awards from Cognizant for his innovation and implementation of core processing systems that facilitated over $1 billion in transactions. He has also personally developed software for the County of Kern to automate employee financial transactions. Richard has successfully overseen the local and national implementation of large-scale digital telecommunications systems for Time Warner.

In his current role as the Chief of Strategy & Technology at Clinica, Richard brings a diverse skill set that includes strategic planning and execution, focusing on aligning technology initiatives with business objectives to drive sustainable growth. He has a proven track record in project management, innovation, and process improvement, where he has successfully led complex projects and implemented efficiencies that enhance operational performance. Richard’s expertise in data-driven decision-making, regulatory compliance, and change management ensures that strategies are innovative and compliant with industry standards. Additionally, he excels in building and leading high-performing teams, fostering a collaborative culture, and engaging with key stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.

Katie Thompson serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at Clinica Sierra Vista, where her expertise in organizational development and workforce management plays a pivotal role. Her responsibility encompasses creating strategies that not only support the organization’s goals but also enrich the employee and patient experience. Katie’s journey to her current role has been marked by diverse experiences across sectors, including financial institutions, educational bodies, and healthcare. Her tenure at Wells Fargo, Kern High School District, and now at Clinica Sierra Vista highlights her adaptability and proficiency in leading complex initiatives and cross-functional teams.

Katie’s career is studded with achievements, including impacting communities positively, managing teams globally, and fostering an engaged work culture. Her skill set spans human resources, risk management, strategic planning, and client relations, making her an invaluable asset to Clinica Sierra Vista. As CHRO, Katie’s influence at Clinica Sierra Vista is profound, ensuring the recruitment of skilled individuals and fostering employee satisfaction. Her role is crucial in aligning the workforce with the clinic’s vision of delivering exceptional healthcare.

Katie’s leadership philosophy centers around a transformational and equitable work culture. She resonates deeply with Clinica Sierra Vista’s longstanding community presence and its commitment to quality healthcare. Outside work, Katie values family time and the joy of travel. She draws inspiration from CEO Dr. Meave’s dedication to healthcare and community service, reflecting her own values in professional and personal spheres.

Looking ahead, Katie aspires for continued growth and success with Clinica Sierra Vista. Her community involvement, especially in mentoring, echoes her commitment to giving back and fostering diversity and inclusion. An advocate for Clinica Sierra Vista’s accomplishments, Katie’s leadership style emphasizes being present, positive, and an active listener, enhancing the clinic’s vibrant work culture.

Manuel Pedroza leads as Clinica Sierra Vista’s Chief Information Officer, pioneering strategic IT plans that align with the organization’s vision. His role is pivotal in implementing healthcare IT systems, enhancing patient care, and safeguarding data integrity and cybersecurity. Manuel’s professional trajectory has been marked by diverse roles in information technology since beginning his career as an IT analyst, culminating in his current position. Since early 2012, his focus on healthcare technology has been integral to his success, demonstrating his passion and commitment to the sector.

Manuel is a highly accomplished professional recognized for fostering cohesive teams, being a finalist for the Orbie SoCal CIO of the Year award, and being named among the Top 100 Technology Professionals in 2023. His affiliations with CHIME, HIMSS, and CVHIE reflect his dedication to advancing healthcare IT. With expertise in integration, interoperability, and patient engagement, Manuel excels in creating innovative and secure IT environments. His leadership is crucial in driving Clinica Sierra Vista’s digital health initiatives.

Manuel’s work in digital efficiency is transformative, aligning with Clinica Sierra Vista’s mission to enhance healthcare delivery. His goals include positioning the clinic as a digital health leader and supporting its growth to serve more underserved populations. His approach is anchored in continuous improvement and shared destination mapping. He believes in the power of communication and collaboration to achieve excellence.

Manuel’s background, influenced by his hardworking father and nurse mother, fuels his passion for healthcare and commitment to communities in the Central Valley, where he has lifelong roots. Outside work, he enjoys music, audio engineering, and spending quality time with his family. He draws inspiration from John Doerr’s “Measure What Matters,” focusing on setting clear, measurable goals.

Manuel aspires to support Clinica Sierra Vista’s growth and develop a technology team that delivers future-focused solutions. He emphasizes embracing change and adopting a sustainable approach to achieving excellence. His dedication extends beyond his professional role, as he actively participates in community initiatives, particularly those resonating with his personal and professional journey.

Every year, Clinica Sierra Vista cares for over 200,000 community members, offering primary medical care, dental services, behavioral health, specialty, pharmacy, and many programs that bring resources to the communities we serve.