Meet CAHF's New CEO/President - Cassie Dunham

On October 1, 2024, Cassie Dunham starts the transition into her new role as  CEO/President of the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF). Most recently, Dunham was appointed by Governor Newsom in 2022 as Deputy Director of the Center for Health Care Quality at the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). In this role, she oversaw the department’s Healthcare Associated Infections Program and the licensing and certification of health care providers and facilities throughout California. With a team of over 1,500 staff members, Dunham ensured these entities complied with state and federal laws, safeguarding the quality of care for patients across the state. She actively collaborated with the California Health and Human Services Agency, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and various state and local organizations to promote health care quality and access.

Prior to her appointment, Dunham held several key positions within CDPH, including Chief of Field Operations for Northern California, Field Operations Branch Chief, Policy Section Chief, and Non-Long-Term Care Unit Chief. Her extensive experience also included leading policy development, legislative analysis, and high-level enforcement actions. Throughout her career, she has been a respected voice in health care policy, regularly presenting to state and national organizations on vital health care issues.

“I am truly honored to join CAHF as the next CEO/President. This organization has a strong legacy of advocating for the well-being of our most vulnerable populations, and I am excited to build on that foundation. I look forward to working closely with our dedicated members, staff, and association leadership to continue the important work of ensuring quality care for skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled across the state.”

Dunham holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government with an emphasis on legal studies from Grand Canyon University and completed her general education and pre-nursing studies at American River College.