Community health centers (CHCs) empower communities that have been disproportionally impacted by social determinants of health. We provide healthcare in communities where there are few or no options for care or where systemic barriers to care have been created.

But beyond providing care to anyone who walks through our doors, we are pioneering some of the most innovative models of primary care delivery. As an integral part of the communities we serve, were able to respond quickly and efficiently to immediate and emerging public health issues like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vista Community Clinic receives Health and Human Services funding and has federal Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals. This health center is a Health Center Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254b, and a deemed Public Health Service employee under 42 U.S.C. 233(g)-(n).

Were proud of our over 40-year history as a leader in the community clinic movement. From a volunteer-driven clinic serving those most in need in Vista, weve grown to become a federally recognized and award winning, health care institution.

As a non-profit organization, we're governed by a Board of Directors. Our dedicated Board lends their expertise from established careers in the corporate, health care, education and government arenas.

Fernando Saudo joined the VCC team in 1988 as a Health Educator, and in his nearly thirty years with the organization, hes held additional positions as Project Coordinator, Health Program Center Director and Clinic Administrator. His wide range of expertise with the clinic includes program research, design and evaluation, as well as extensive experience in community outreach and education. He has been an Independent Consultant for both the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a professional grant reviewer, and Project Concern International in the area of program design and evaluation. Mr. Saudo is also adjunct faculty at the University of San Diego (USD) and teaches Design and Evaluation for the Masters Program in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership. Mr. Saudo has co-authored several chapters in books and professional journals regarding HIV-prevention and in 2008, he was named the Health Champion of the Year for Molina.

As CEO for VCC, Mr. Saudo leads an executive team of nine members, in addition to a staff of over 500 employees, in addition to over 100 volunteers. Working with the Board of Directors, Mr. Saudo provides oversight to all aspects of VCCs operations and liaisons with local and regional government on important health care advocacy issues. Hes been inspired by watching VCC grow over the course of his three decades with the organization, and seeing the impact that a functional community clinic model can have on overall community health.

Carol Camarda joined the VCC team in 2005 after working in the for-profit arena for over twenty-five years. She wanted to become a part of a non-profit organization where she could help make a positive impact on our community. As a certified Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR), Ms. Camarda has been a Vice President of Human Resources and Director of Human Resources for four multi-million dollar national corporations in the health care arena. With a career spanning three decades, she has experience in start-up entrepreneurial environments through mature organizations, including acquisitions and mergers.

As our Chief Human Resources Officer, Ms. Camarda leads the development and execution of the Human Resources strategic plan to support business strategies while promoting a unified organizational culture. She also creates and implements recruitment and selection processes and provides leadership to the HR team with a strong focus on organizational efficacy and patient satisfaction. Ms. Camarda is inspired by how our efforts positively affect those in need and is rewarded by the sense of community thats created amongst staff as we help others.

Betsy Heightman joined the VCC team in 1995 because she wanted to be part of creating a healthy community for all. Ms. Heightman has over thirty years of experience as a Paralegal, Administrative Director and Development Director. In 2014 she was a graduate of the Leadership North County program at CSUSM, which focuses on developing leaders who will serve as catalysts in building a stronger region. In her tenure with VCC, she has run a successful Capital Campaign that exceeded its fundraising goal, implemented our first Gala, which also exceeded its fundraising goal, and established an organization-wide Endowment Campaign.

As our Chief Development Officer, Ms. Heightman is responsible for the design and implementation of comprehensive fundraising for our regional, five-site nonprofit. She also develops and implements strategic approaches for our annual fund solicitation, major gift acquisition and renewal, and corporate and foundation relations. Ms. Heightman is committed to helping VCC grow its valuable services and programs through the donations made by philanthropic individuals and businesses.