2026 CHEAC Annual Meeting Plenary Speakers

Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, California's health and human services agencies have advanced significant efforts to expand access to care, strengthen public health infrastructure, address behavioral health needs, and improve health outcomes for Californians. As the Administration winds down its final year, join leaders from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) for a discussion on the Administration's key accomplishments, remaining priorities, lessons learned, and the work that will continue beyond 2026. Panelists will also explore how California is navigating an evolving federal landscape, including funding uncertainties, policy changes, and emerging challenges facing the state's health and human services systems.

Susan Fanelli is the Chief Deputy Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), a position she has held since 2018. Ms. Fanelli served as Acting Director of CDPH in 2019 and has held a series of senior CDPH positions since 2004, including associate director, deputy director and assistant deputy director of the Emergency Preparedness Office, and chief of the program support section of the Emergency Preparedness Office. Ms. Fanelli held several positions at the California Department of Health Services from 2002 to 2004 and was the director of information services at the Institute for Fiduciary Education from 1996 to 2001.

Director Michelle Baass was appointed Director of the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2021. Before her appointment to DHCS, Ms. Baass served as Undersecretary of the California Health and Human Services (CHHS) Agency since 2018 and Deputy Secretary of the Office of Program and Fiscal Affairs at CHHS from 2017 to 2018. Prior to joining the executive branch, Ms. Baass worked in the Legislature for 13 years, including in the California State Senate, Senate Office of Research, and the California Legislative Analyst's Office.