GCHP’s top medical leader will take the helm and continue to advance quality care for Medi-Cal members while search for a permanent CEO gets underway
Dr. Felix Nunez. Courtesy photo.
CAMARILLO — Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) (on Aug. 29) announced that its governing board, the Ventura County Medi-Cal Managed Care Commission (VCMMCC), voted to not extend the contract of Chief Executive Officer Nick Liguori. GCHP’s chief medical officer, Dr. Felix Nuñez, will manage the health plan while a search for a permanent replacement takes place.
“We are committed to continuing to support and advance Gold Coast Health Plan’s important work of connecting members with high quality care and services,” said Laura Espinosa, chair of the VCMMCC. “We are confident that with our dedicated team and strategic vision, the organization will continue to thrive and achieve its goals.”
Mr. Liguori joined GCHP as chief operating officer in Sept. 2021 and was appointed CEO in Feb. 2022. On Aug. 26, 2024, the board declined to extend his three-year contract.
“We want to thank Nick for his leadership these past three years and we wish him all the best,” Espinosa said.
Dr. Nuñez joined GCHP in 2022 as associate chief medical officer. In 2023, he assumed the role of chief medical officer. He is an accomplished board-certified family physician and health care leader with nearly three decades of leadership in managed care and health care delivery. Prior to joining GCHP, Dr. Nuñez served for eight years at Molina Healthcare of California as the regional medical director for the Inland Empire. A proud native Angeleno and Mexican-American, Dr. Nuñez is passionate about improving health care access and quality of care for underserved and vulnerable populations.
“Our primary goal is to ensure that GCHP continues to operate smoothly during this transition and that our members continue to receive the exceptional care they deserve,” Dr. Nuñez said. “With the support of our Commission, we will advance our strategic imperative of providing equitable access for Ventura County’s most vulnerable residents.”
Dr. Nuñez completed his medical training at Harbor UCLA Medical Center. He received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola Marymount University, a Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School, and Master of Public Health from the UCLA School of Public Health.
About Gold Coast Health Plan
Gold Coast Health Plan proudly serves nearly 250,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County through its network of primary care physicians, specialists, behavioral health providers and hospitals. Since it was founded in 2011, Gold Coast Health Plan has been committed to providing access to high-quality care and improving the health of its members, which include 1 in 3 county residents, 1 in 6 seniors, and 1 in 2 children up to the age of 5. To learn more, visit: www.goldcoasthealthplan.org