Previously published in The Business Journal, June 2, 2023
 

Roger Sturdevant

Chair, Board of Trustees | Community Health System

Education: B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Detroit, major in finance, graduated in 1973 | MBA from UC Berkeley, major in finance, graduated in 1978 | High school — Ferndale, Michigan, graduated in 1969
Age: 72
Family: Married in 1979 (44 years) to Norma, two sons, two daughters-in-law and four granddaughters
 

What we do:

Community Health System is a private, not-for-profit health care network based in Fresno and the largest private employer in the region. We operate four hospitals and a cancer institute along with several long-term care, outpatient and other health care facilities. We're led by local leaders and physicians focused on addressing the diverse needs and issues of Central California. As the leading health care provider in the central San Joaquin Valley, Community cares for more people in the region than any other. That means regardless of income level or social demographics, we provide top notch care to support the health and well-being of those in need.

Where did you grow up? What is one thing that stands out that helped you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Michigan and grew up in a suburb of Detroit. Early on, I aspired to be a dentist (like my grandfather) but once in college, changed direction and got a degree in finance. This launched my desire to pursue a career in banking.

Since you’ve recently retired from a banking career, what’s one piece of advice you would give to someone pursuing that path today?
I would recommend for any career path, to pursue an internship with a company or institution within the desired field. This will either reinforce their passion to pursue a particular career or change direction and find another endeavor. As it applies to banking, I would also recommend taking more than just the basic courses in accounting and finance.

What made you interested in working with the Community Health Systems’ volunteer Board of Trustees?
My main goal was to “Give Back” to this great community, which I have lived in and raised a family since 1982. I cannot think of another institution that touches more lives and contributes more to the overall quality of life in the Valley than Community Health System.

How will your background in banking help you in your current position?
The economics of the health care industry are very complex and challenging. It is both capital intensive and cash flow constrained. A background in banking affords a balanced understanding of the financial risk and fiscal discipline necessary to support prudent capital projects.

As the new Board of Trustees chair, what is something on your priority list?
We have several priorities:
1. Continue expanding services so patients do not have to travel to Los Angeles or the Bay Area for their health care needs.
2. Expand the number of clinics throughout our primary service area to bring health care services closer to patient residences or workplaces.
3. The first two priorities require attracting more physicians, nurses, and other health care workers to the Valley. This is why we invest about $40 million annually to support the UCSF Fresno residency program to train doctors. In addition, we are training about 1,000 nursing students from area schools.

In your opinion, what is the greatest obstacle facing health care today?
The greatest obstacle facing the health care industry today is inadequate reimbursement rates for services provided from the government. Over 82% of Community’s patients have Medi-Cal and/or Medicare coverage. Unfortunately, their reimbursement rates cover only 88% of costs. That places a reliance on commercial insurance providers and donations to make up the difference.

What was your very first job and what was the most important thing you learned from it?
During the summer months while in college, I was employed by a civil engineering company working on underground tunnel projects. It was my first real job and reinforced the need to be punctual, attentive, respectful, have a willingness to learn, be a team player, and have a positive attitude. It may be the first time I heard the expression “be a part of the solution, not the problem.”

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Some of the best advice I ever received was, “base financial goals on less than expected returns.” People in general tend to be optimistic and sometimes unrealistic with business expectations. Many of the successful clients I engaged with routinely incorporated conservative projections assuming less than optimal conditions.

Now that you are retired, what activities are you pursuing?
For several years before my retirement, I was traveling extensively, which made regular exercise a bit of a challenge. Since retirement, I have been able to enjoy a more consistent workout regimen. For recreation, I am an avid golfer and would also be classified as a “Field and Streamer.” And best of all, retirement has allowed my wife and I to spend more time with family and friends.