❮ Newsmakers

Suma Simcoe Joins Gold Coast Health Plan as Chief Operating Officer

Experienced operations leader brings more than two decades of managed care expertise to Ventura County’s local Medi-Cal plan

Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP), the local Medi-Cal plan for Ventura County, has named Suma Simcoe as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). A seasoned operations executive with nearly 25 years of progressive leadership experience in managed care, Simcoe will oversee core operational functions that advance quality, efficiency, and service for GCHP’s 240,000 members.

“Suma brings a wealth of operational expertise, a deep understanding of managed care, and a proven record of turning complex challenges into sustainable results,” said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP’s chief executive officer. “Her leadership will strengthen our infrastructure and ensure we continue to deliver high-quality, member-centered care for Ventura County.”

Simcoe joins GCHP with extensive leadership experience at L.A. Care Health Plan and Molina Healthcare, where she managed large-scale operations across Medicaid, Medicare, and Exchange lines of business. Her background spans enrollment, claims, provider relations, grievances and appeals, payment integrity, credentialing, and vendor management.

Most recently, as Deputy COO at L.A. Care, she led strategic planning and performance initiatives that improved automation, introduced value-based reimbursement frameworks, and enhanced accountability across departments.

“I am honored to join Gold Coast Health Plan and contribute to its mission of connecting members with high-quality care and services,” Simcoe said. “I look forward to collaborating with the team to improve operational excellence and innovation.”

Simcoe holds a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from Mercy College and is completing her Master of Business Administration at Chapman University.