2026 - 2028 CORPORATE STRATEGIC PLAN
Message from Leadership Every organization reaches moments where it must decide not only how to respond to change but how to shape what comes next. This strategic plan marks that kind of moment for Kern Family Health Care. It reflects a clear vision for the future, grounded in the needs of the community and built on the strengths that have guided us for more than 30 years. KFHC is entering this next chapter from a position of stability and service. Our membership has grown, our community presence has deepened, and our teams, in partnership with our providers, continue to deliver meaningful results for the people who rely on us. But the landscape ahead will demand a different level of coordination, resilience and accountability. State and federal funding pressures, rising quality expectations and new market competitors require us to focus not only on today’s needs but also on building a stronger foundation for the future. This plan aligns our long-term direction with the areas that matter most. It draws from the strength of our pillars and translates them into four goals that will guide our work through 2028. These goals focus on strengthening our provider network, elevating member engagement, supporting and developing our employees and ensuring financial responsibility. Together these priorities give us a roadmap that helps us improve care and access today while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead. Looking forward, this strategy positions KFHC to lead with greater clarity, purpose and unity. It reflects our commitment to remain Kern County’s local health plan and to lead with compassion, collaboration, excellence, innovation, integrity and equity. We are grateful to our board, leadership team, employees, providers and community partners for helping shape this plan and for the dedication they bring to our mission every day. Together we can advance a healthier and more equitable future for the communities we serve. In good health, Emily Duran, MA Kristen Beall Watson, EdD Chief Execuitive Officer Chairwoman, Governing Board
The Foundation Our Core Values Our values define who we are and how we show up for the community. They reflect our commitment to quality, fairness, partnership, empathy, accountability and forwardthinking solutions. Our Pillars of Compassionate Care Our pillars lift our work. They remind us that every decision begins with our members, relies on our providers, depends on our employees and impacts the community we call home. Collaboration Integrity Compassion Equity Excellence Innovation Members Community Providers Employees
The Snapshot
of Who We Are Provider Network 505Primary Care Providers 3,365 Total Specialists 122Licensed Clinical Social Workers 86Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists 29 Psychologists 22 Hospitals 27 Urgent Care Facilities Member Ethnicity Caucasian 15% Hispanic 63% Unknown 13% Black 5% Asian Indian 2% Filipino 1% Other Member Age 19-44 35% 45-64 17% 65+ 6% 0-5 12% 6-18 30% Enrollment Type Family Child/ Adult/Other 262,927 SPDs 20,288 Expanded 114,241 Medi-Cal Total 397,322 Long-Term Care 586
The Process Understanding the Landscape We began with a comprehensive analysis of state and federal trends, community needs, competitor activity and internal performance to understand the challenges and opportunities ahead. Listening to Leaders and Stakeholders Board members, executives and senior managers provided insights that shaped the early direction of the plan and helped define the priorities most critical to our future. Defining Strategic Direction In a joint session with the board and executive team, we outlined the long-term direction for KFHC and identified the areas where focused investment and coordination would have the greatest impact. 1 2 3
The Outcome A Clear Path Forward The result of this work is a clear and unified path forward. This plan reflects where KFHC stands today and where we must go to protect the local safety net, improve health outcomes and build a stronger system for the people of Kern County. It positions us to move with purpose, adapt with resilience and deliver care that reflects the values of the community we serve. Aligning the Organization The final plan serves as the foundation for annual budgeting, project selection and departmental goal-setting, ensuring every team moves forward with shared purpose and clarity. Refining Goals and Outcomes Cross-functional teams translated the strategic direction into clear organizational goals and measurable outcomes that reflect KFHC’s values and pillars. 4 5
The Goals KFHC will strengthen and maintain a provider network that delivers timely and high-quality care across Kern County. We will reduce administrative burden, improve data transparency and deepen collaboration with physicians, specialists, clinics and hospitals. These efforts support better coordination and help ensure members receive the right care at the right time. We will help members stay connected to care through culturally responsive engagement, personalized reminders and simple pathways to services. Improved navigation and expanded digital tools will make it easier for members to understand and use their benefits. Greater engagement leads to better outcomes and stronger partnerships across the community. Pillars Supported Strengthen the Provider Network Strong and Aligned 1 Elevate Member Engagement Engaged and Empowered 2 Pillars Supported
KFHC will invest in employees by strengthening development pathways, expanding training and creating clear opportunities for growth. We will continue building a culture that values collaboration, innovation, accountability and belonging. When employees have the tools and support they need, we strengthen our ability to serve members and the community. We will manage resources responsibly to support long-term financial stability in a changing landscape. This includes monitoring costs, improving operational efficiency and exploring opportunities to diversify revenue while meeting community needs. Strong stewardship allows KFHC to reinvest in care, support partners and remain a trusted local health plan. Develop and Support Our Workforce Skilled and Prepared 3 Ensure Financial Sustainability Responsible Stewardship 4 Pillars Supported Pillars Supported
The Next Steps The strategic plan now becomes the foundation for each year’s goals, projects and budgeting. Each department will align its work to the four strategic goals, ensuring the organization moves forward with clarity and unity. Progress will be reviewed regularly so KFHC can adapt to changes and stay focused on outcomes that matter for members, providers, employees and the community. Integrate into project selection Upcoming projects and initiatives are chosen and sequenced through the lens of the strategy. Align annual department goals Teams draft plans and priorities based on the four strategic goals. Connect budgeting to strategy Resources are allocated to support the goals and the activities that will drive the greatest impact.
Launch priority initiatives Departments begin executing the work that supports the objectives for the next three years. Monitor progress and measure outcomes Leadership tracks key milestones and adjusts efforts based on results and emerging needs. Report updates to the board Quarterly updates keep the board informed about progress, challenges and shifts in the landscape. Quarterly progress reviews Annual refinements based on data and outcomes Regular board updates Year-end evaluation and planning O n g o i n g S t r a t e g i c C a d e n c e
The Governing Board Kristen Beall Watson, EdD Chair Community Representative, 3rd District Michael T. Bowers Community Representative, 1st District Scott Thygerson, MHA Vice Chair Kern Medical Representative Alex Alva Community Representative, 2nd District Sarabjeet Singh, MD Secretary Urban Primary Care Provider Representative Russell Johnson Community Representative, 2nd District Ross Elliott, MA Treasurer Community Representative, 1st District Jay Tamsi Community Representative, 3rd District Vijaykumar B. Patel, MD Rural Primary Care Provider Representative Ganesh Acharya, MBA Community Representative, 4th District Olga Meave, MD Safety-Net Provider Representative Albert Ma, MD Community Representative, 5th District Kimberly Hoffmann, PharmD Pharmacist Representative Michael Turnipseed Community Representative, 5th District
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