PRESIDENT
CITY OF HOPE ORANGE COUNTY
WHY: Led effort to bring renowned cancer research and treatment to the region in response to a pressing community need; 20% of residents were traveling outside of OC for advanced cancer care. Organization has treated more than 44K patients since coming to OC in 2020. Led $1.5B investment to build a network of cancer care and an Irvine cancer campus that includes Orange County’s only hospital solely focused on preventing, treating and curing cancer.
IN THE NEWS: Opened new cancer specialty hospital last December on 72-acre academic research campus in Irvine, bringing more cancer expertise, clinical trials and technology to the region. Received $30M gift from local executive and philanthropist Ron Simon, $25M of which is going toward workforce housing. The other $5M established an endowed chair, making Walker the inaugural Ronald and Sandi Simon Presidential Chair holder. See the Leader Board on page 83.
NOTABLE: Longtime resident of OC. Twice recognized as one of the most influential leaders in U.S. health care. Considers her leadership at City of Hope among her most important roles.
IN HER WORDS: “The moon casts no light of its own, rather it reflects the ray of the invisible sun,” – Blue Miles. “Be the moon.”
FUN FACT: A few years ago, she and her husband walked 220 miles on the Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage through Spain. (See the Leader Board on page 83).
