OAKLAND, CA — Catherine Hernandez has been named Kaiser Permanente’s chief communications officer following a 17-year career with the organization.

Formally titled senior VP and CCO of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Hernandez will lead Kaiser Permanente's corporate brand and reputation, internal and external communications, media relations, issues management, executive communications, and digital and social media.

As a member of Kaiser’s national executive team, Hernandez will serve as an advisor to chairman and CEO Greg Adams on enterprise communications strategy and programs. She reports to the executive VP and chief administrative officer Paul Swenson.

Hernandez’s predecessor, Katherine Beiser, left Kaiser in March to lead Eli Lilly’s global communications.

"The role of communications at Kaiser Permanente has never been more important given the changes affecting health care, our members, and our communities," Adams said. "Catherine has an impressive track record as a communications executive and Kaiser Permanente leader. She is strategic, highly collaborative, and brings the vision and commitment needed as we advance our mission in this new environment."

Hernandez has held a number of leadership roles throughout her 17 years at Kaiser, which included most recently overseeing communications related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier responsibilities include handling comms for the launch of the organization’s electronic health record system, and the acquisition and integration of Kaiser’s Washington regional operation.

Before joining Kaiser Permanente, Hernandez served in marketing and communications roles at Macy's, Internet Pictures Corporation (iPIX), and Vanstar.