EDWARD GERBER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LESTONNAC FREE CLINIC
WHY: Started working as a part-time accountant in 1989 and eventually in 2008 became executive director of Lestonnac Free Clinic in Orange, which provides free healthcare to low-income and uninsured residents since 1979.
IN THE NEWS: Oversaw 4K-sq.-ft. renovation of first free surgery center in the nation, boosted by $4M donation from the Thompson Family Foundation.
NOTABLE: Spent two years pitching the free surgery center project to Bill Thompson, former CEO of Pacific Investment Management Co.
QUOTABLE: “When they get a surgery done, it’ll be zero copay. We’re very excited and want this to be a model for other free clinics in the nation to show that it’s possible.”
