Chinese Hospital announces the upcoming retirement of Chief Executive Officer Dr. Jian Zhang at the end of 2025, concluding an extraordinary 32-year journey marked by unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and transformative impact.
Dr. Zhang first joined Chinese Hospital in 1991 as a UCSF international student. In 2017, she was appointed Chief Executive Officer during one of the most critical periods in the hospital’s history amid operational disruptions and financial instability following the separation of Chinese Community Health Care Association (CCHCA) and Chinese Community Health Plan (CCHP) in 2016.
Through strategic vision and decisive leadership, Dr. Zhang restored stability, rebuilt public trust, and positioned the hospital for long-term sustainability. Her tenure has been defined by bold leadership, strong partnerships, and a deep commitment to equitable, community-based care.
Key Accomplishments Under Her Leadership:
- Operational and Financial Turnaround: Guided Chinese Hospital through a critical recovery after the separation of CCHCA and CCHP, ensuring financial stability and operational continuity while rebuilding trust among stakeholders.
- National Community Model for Pandemic Response: Led a coordinated, proactive, community-based pandemic response that kept San Francisco’s Chinatown—one of the nation’s most densely populated areas—among the lowest in infection and death rates. The hospital’s community model was adopted by the San Francisco Department of Public Health and expanded through city-funded initiatives and recognized by national media, including The New York Times.
- Established Strategic Partnerships and Services: Strengthened collaborations with UCSF Health, the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and the California Department of Public Health to expand specialty services.
- Modernized Fund Development Model: Transitioned the fundraising strategy from traditional event-based efforts to government funding and major philanthropic gifts, including historic $10 million in state funding and a $7 million gift from the Charles Huang Foundation. These efforts have been essential to enabling critical infrastructure improvements and creating new services.
- Elevated Chinese Hospital Profile and Recognition to National Level: Led Chinese Hospital to national recognition, including being named one of Newsweek’s Best-in-State Hospitals in both 2024 and 2025. Dr. Zhang was also personally honored by Modern Healthcare, Forbes, San Francisco Business Times, the California State Assembly, and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors for her influence, leadership and innovation.
- Enhanced Healthcare Access and Equity: Established multiple outpatient centers and clinics in San Francisco and northern San Mateo County to meet the healthcare needs of the communities we serve.
Reflecting on Dr. Zhang’s tenure, Dr. Roger Eng, Chair of the Board of Trustees, shared, “Dr. Zhang has been more than a CEO—she has been the heart and soul of Chinese Hospital. Her leadership during some of the most challenging periods in our history not only safeguarded the institution but strengthened and elevated it in fundamental ways. She has left an indelible mark on our community and the broader healthcare landscape. We are profoundly grateful for her service and look forward to building upon the strong foundation she has established.”
Dr. Zhang will continue to serve as a Board Advisor and Executive Coach to support leadership transition and mentor the next generation of leaders. As part of the succession plan, Chief Financial Officer and President Michael Chung will assume the role of CEO beginning in 2026.
“Dr. Zhang’s impact is immeasurable,” said Mr. Michael Chung. “She leaves behind a strong foundation built on compassion, excellence, and cultural integrity. I am honored to carry forward her vision and remain committed to upholding her legacy while addressing the challenges ahead. With the support of our dedicated staff, partners, and community, I am confident that we will continue to advance our mission and deliver the high-quality, culturally responsive care our patients deserve.”
“While I am stepping away from the role of CEO, I am not stepping away from the mission,” said Dr. Zhang. “I am shifting from leading within to guiding beyond, elevating to a new platform where I can amplify our voice, strengthen our impact, and champion the needs of our hospital and the Asian American and Pacific Islande (AAPI) community on a broader stage.”
She continued, “As the only independent community hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chinese Hospital plays an irreplaceable role in our healthcare landscape—delivering culturally and linguistically appropriate care to underserved and vulnerable populations. But we can’t do it alone. To sustain and strengthen this mission, we need bold, sustained support from both government and the community.”
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Board, leadership team, physicians, nurses, staff, partners, elected officials and the communities we proudly serve. Your trust, dedication, and unwavering support have made every milestone possible.”
Media Contact:
Jenni Lau
[email protected]
